Bill Marble –

Private Pilot, Technical Support Supervisor (retired), Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Air Squadron Volunteer

Of all the great attributes that the Switchblade offers, I think the safety feature of being able to drive when flying conditions are poor, is by far the most important. In fact, it’s priceless!

I have been a private pilot and aircraft owner since 1988, flying popular Cessna and Piper single engine aircraft. Being from a family of aviators (father, uncle, brothers and daughter), I have maintained a passion for aviation that began in childhood.

Genetically linked to notable aviators and innovators (Wright Brothers, Robert Goddard, Howard Hughes), my DNA is pre-coded to loving aviation innovations such as the Switchblade. Sitting in the ground test vehicle (see photo) was a genuine thrill and I can’t wait to build and fly one! I am 100% behind the Switchblade and see it as the next evolutionary step in personal transportation.

Based on what my fellow Switchblade Owners have written, I must say, I feel a kindred spirit with all of you. I have been vocal about the Switchblade for years, exclaiming my support of this project and telling anyone who is willing to listen about the fantastic features that this flying car has to offer. In fact, I’m so immersed in the Switchblade vision, that I even wrote a song entitled ‘My Switchblade’. It highlights the fun features of flying and driving a Switchblade.

Of all the great attributes that the Switchblade offers, I think the safety feature of being able to drive when flying conditions are poor, is by far the most important. In fact, it’s priceless! Let me explain. There is a mindset known as ‘Get-there-itis’, which causes more pilots to fly into adverse conditions than almost anything else. Good judgment can be lost in the face of this affliction, causing a pilot to fly into weather conditions they truly can’t handle (i.e. poor visibility, icing, etc.).

With ‘Get-there-it is’, the safe option – landing and waiting for the weather to pass over – is not taken. In this situation, the reason the pilots don’t choose this option is usually due to one or more of these perceived problems: 1) Delays in arriving at the intended destination, 2) Inconvenience or impossibility of finding ground transportation, 3) Finding food, 4) Finding lodging, 5) The potential costs of all the above.

Every year, too many pilots, along with their passengers, fall victim and are lost through avoidable accidents brought on by circumstances such as these. The Switchblade has the potential to save many lives, by providing a means to continue traveling by road. ‘Getting there’ is still possible, by driving under the storm until flyable conditions present themselves on the other side of the weather. I prefer flying, but with bad weather ahead coupled with the Switchblade’s option to drive, I’ll still be alive. In short, the Samson Switchblade is truly the cure to ‘Get-there-itis’!

Bill Marble – Nevada, USA