If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a true flying car
well stop dreaming as the first commercially available flying car is now
available to order.
Built by Dutch company PAL-V, the Liberty flying car
is compliant with safety regulations around the world and will initially be
sold exclusively in the Pioneer Editions, a limited-run of 90 range-topping
models priced at US$ 599,000. Once these units hit the market, the ‘entry-level’ US$ 400,000 PAL-V Liberty Sport will be introduced.
The Liberty is technically a gyroplane and more
closely resembles a helicopter than a plane. Unlike a helicopter, it cannot
take off or land vertically but does only requite a small run up before it goes
airborne. PAL-V says that it is significantly easier to fly than a helicopter
as it is an inherently “stable mechanical system”. Future owners must have a
gyroplane license which can be obtained with 30-40 hours of training in order
to fly the Liberty.
It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to convert the
Liberty from a gyroplane to a car and when in car form, is able to reach 160 km/h. The PAL-V will be built in the Netherlands and the
brand anticipates North America will be its first major market.
