The first flying car, 'Model A,' approved by the FAA and it's 100% electric

[WolfEyes]

I suppose this could go under Science but seems to make more sense here.

The first flying car, 'Model A,' approved by the FAA and it's 100% electric (msn.com)

Another video: MSN

 

[Jopsy Pendragon]

I'd be -super- paranoid about flying plastic bags and other detritus that could get sucked onto the top and block airflow...

 

[Veritable Quandry]

I would be very curious about the limitations on their Airworthiness Certification. I would assume Provisional at this stage, which puts heavy restrictions on use.

And more curious about the pilot certification for a multi-engine "car." You would need basic license with added multi-engine certificate. Plus Instrument rating to fly in poor weather. And urban areas have the most heavy air traffic restrictions because of airports and so many hazards including tall buildings, light fixtures, geese, and overhead wires.

 

[Erich Templar]

If the engine dies on a light aircraft, it continues to glide, giving you time to maybe restart the engines, or at worst glide to the ground.

If the engines dies on one of these, I'd guess you'd drop like a stone.

No thanks.

 

[Veritable Quandry]

It appears to have two flying modes. One is typical multi-engine drone flight with the props providing lift. But for longer range the cabin pivots and the "sides" when it is a car become wings (shown about 25 seconds into the video), so it may have some glide. But it has limited control surfaces, so I assume most control is still from diverting power between engines. There are a total of eight electric motors, so the computer may be able to handle loss of one or two with minimal intervention by the pilot.

 

[Sid]

I think I will go for an electrical trike instead when available.

 

[Fionalein]

If the engine dies on a light aircraft, it continues to glide, giving you time to maybe restart the engines, or at worst glide to the ground.

If the engines dies on one of these, I'd guess you'd drop like a stone.

No thanks.

Autogyros would do but that requires free rotating rotors. I'd call an Oceangate on this design - proof me wrong if it isn't.