I want one of THESE

[CrownRay]

Check out this video...is it a BOAT or a PLANE??? Its BOTH! Huh??

http://www.dump.com/2010/12/21/did-you-know-theres-an-entire-type-of-aircraft-that-relies-on-the-ground-effect-to-stay-aloft-video/

the website calims it uses GROUND EFFECT to keep it barely aloft, so it can zip over the waves at 90kts.

(For those who don't know, ground effect is the phenomenon that occures underneath an airplane's wing which acts like a "pillow of air" when low to the ground)

Comming soon to a lake near you?

[brk-lnt]

It looks cool, but if you look at the size to usable space ratio I don't really think I'd be all that excited to own one. You're not going to just pop that into the normal dock (not just on our lake, but anywhere) like a typical boat.

Seems good for specialized commercial transport applications.

[Just Sold]

Maybe you would be happier with one of these. They are being built in Woburm MA off Montvale Ave. near 93. I saw the original prototype 2 years a go at their first facility in Woburn. It is very cool.
http://www.terrafugia.com/images/260x130/POCChamplain.jpg (http://www.terrafugia.com/POC.html)
http://www.terrafugia.com/images/photogallery/thumb/TransitionGasStation.jpg (http://www.terrafugia.com/images/photogallery/logo/TransitionGasStation.jpg)
http://www.terrafugia.com/

[NoBozo]

Picture this: You lift off and fly in Ground Effect to some distant place. All is good. When you get to that place..the seas are higher than lets say 2 feet..(A Stretch) everywhere around your destination. This IS A SEA Plane when it comes to landing. Seaplanes DO NOT land in Rough Seas..PERIOD..In spite of what the web site says.

SO you are Stranded ABOVE the water and CAN'T land. OK: Just fly back to where you came from and hope the seas are a little flatter back there.

This vehicle CAN NOT get OUT of Ground Effect to attain a higher altitude to clear higher objects. The wings are purposely designed TOO Short... SO we don't have to meet Airplane (FAA) regulations.. SO: this vehicle can not save itself by actually Flying above obsticles to get to a safe landing. If this vehicle COULD get out of Ground Effect.....It would be classified as...OMG: An Airplane...and have to meet FAA Regs. :D NB

Definition: Ground Effect is about the length of the winspan of the Aircraft.....

This concept IS used in some places for commercial transportation...but in sheltered waters. NB

[Pine Island Guy]

after I win the Powerball, first I buy the Little Mount, and then I buy one of these!!

http://www.iconaircraft.com/

Happy Sunny Fourth Everyone!! -PIG

[NoBozo]

after I win the Powerball, first I buy the Little Mount, and then I buy one of these!!

http://www.iconaircraft.com/

Happy Sunny Fourth Everyone!! -PIG


As a Non-Current Licensed Private Pilot...THAT Plane is interesting. The Sport Pilot license came into effect long after I got my PPL. When I first heard of this SPL, I think a major restriction (IMO) was that you were not permitted to land at any airport other than the one you took off from. I'd be interested in hearing from a "Current".. PPL/SPL holder (ie active), who might be able to elaborate on this restriction.

With a "Trailerable Amphibian"..maybe this restriction would be less problematic..OR Maybe the restriction on traveling to, and landing at "another" airport has been lifted. :D NB