World’s first commercial flying car is now available
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Dutch company PAL-V is taking orders for its propeller-controlled flying car, the Liberty, starting at $399,000
The PAL-V Liberty is compliant with U.S. and European aviation regulations PHOTO: PAL-V
Dutch flying car manufacturer PAL-V officially started selling its commercial model, the PAL-V Liberty, on Feb. 13.
The launch follows successful test programs of PAL-V’s concept vehicles in 2009 and 2012.
The PAL-V Liberty generates lift with a wind-powered rotor, and makes turns on a tilting gyroscopic axis.
While airborne, this two person vehicle has a max operating altitude of 3500 metres, a max speed of 180 km/h, a fuel efficiency of 26 litres per hour and a fuel range of 500 km. It can stay in the air for 4.3 hours.
The Liberty also operates as a road vehicle that is small enough to fit in parking garages with low ceilings.
PAL-V asserts that these cars are safe and easy to operate, and meet the legal standards of the European Aviation Safety Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration (U.S.).
PAL-V says that most countries acknowledge U.S. and European regulations on flying car travel, or have similar certifications of their own. PAL-V is planning to certify their vehicle in every country in the world.
“Later in 2017 we will start building a preproduction series, followed by the manufacturing of the first PAL-V Libertys for our early ‘pioneer’ clients. Deliveries of road and air certificated models are scheduled by the end of 2018. This truly is a pivotal time in aviation and mobility history,” said Robert Dingemanse, CEO of PAL-V.
The Liberty has been introduced to selected clients in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Bermuda. With sales going public, PAL-V expects interest to rise.
“We are very pleased with the response so far. Now that the new design is public, I expect to see an even greater interest stemming from North America, which has a propensity for early adoption in innovative products,” said Mark Jennings-Bates, PAL-V VP of Sales, North America.
Living the high-life isn’t cheap. The PAL-V Liberty Pioneer Edition is US$599,000. The PAL-V Liberty Sport is a more modest investment at $399,000. The Pioneer is a special edition which will be available before the Sport, the general production version.
For those who have some money burning a hole in their pocket, a pilot’s licence is required to drive a PAL-V Liberty, in addition to a driver’s licence.
