Last year, my imagination was captured by the ICON A5 trailerable seaplane. Last week I talked with Carl Deitrich and wrote about his Terrafugia Transition roadable airplane (think flying car). Just before I published the article on the Terrafugia, I found in my pile of press releases one from Samson Motorworks with an update on their SkyBike (pictured here), which they’ve described as a flying motorcycle. So which you would prefer to own? Take this survey now to tell us.
The first two aircraft are…
Light Sport Aircraft, so they’re limited to 120 mph, but can be flown with just a Sport Pilot license, which doesn’t require a medical examination. The SkyBike is apparently not an LSA, as it specifications call for a maximum speed of 140 mph. Thus, a minimum of a private pilot license would be required to fly it.
The ICON A5 looks like the perfect replacement for a JetSki. You can store it a home, either in the garage or the side yard on its trailer. Then, when the weekend comes and it’s time to head to the lake with family and friends, you can tow it on the highway, drop it into the lake and takeoff. Of course you could also trailer it to the airport and take off from there.
As we discussed last week, the Terrafugia Transition is meant to be primarily an airplane which you can then drive on the highway. Thus, you could fly for pleasure or business to a destination, fold the wings, and drive on the highway to your business appointment or hotel. It also fits through a standard 7 foot garage door, so you can store it at home, saving the cost of airport tie down fees.
The SkyBike will be the kit version of a series of vehicle products, some of which are earthbound and others which can also fly. A new version, featuring side-by-side seating, is named the Switchblade. While the flying motorcycle description may conjure up an image of sitting on top of the vehicle in an open cockpit, it’s actually a fully enclosed vehicle. On the road, it rides on three wheels versus the Terrafugia Transition’s four wheels.
Take the survey to tell us which you’d prefer to own. Then post a comment below to explain your choice. You can see a summary of survey results here.