First Road-Certified Flying Car Achieves New Heights

The PAL-V Liberty, the first true FlyDrive vehicle, recently passed its first Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI/APK). This milestone comes four years after the flying car’s official road certification.

“We are thrilled to announce the successful PTI of the PAL-V Liberty, which underscores our unique capability to design and produce safe, reliable, and sustainable FlyDrive solutions for B2B, B2G, and private customers,” commented PAL-V CEO Robert Dingemanse. “Four years ago, we made history with our road certification, and today we continue to lead the FlyDrive Mobility solution market globally.”

The vehicle is a two-seater gyroplane. On the ground, it has an 817-mile range getting around 37 mpg. After a 5-minute transformation, the PAL-V Liberty turns airworthy and is able to fly for 250-310 miles at a time at altitudes up to 11,000 feet. It is powered by two Rotax 912 iS engines, allowing for speeds up to 100 mph (160 km/h) on the road and 112 mph (180 km/h) in the air.

The PAL-V Liberty achieved European road certification in 2020, allowing it to be driven on public streets. Four years later, the vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness were verified through its first PTI.

In Europe, PTIs are required to be held four years after a vehicle's initial admission, biannually until it reaches eight years old, and annually from then on. The inspection includes several check-ups, including brakes, steering, and tires, environmental standards and emissions, and registration.

“The PTI is an essential part of ensuring vehicles maintain optimal road safety, and passing the inspection demonstrates that the PAL-V Liberty continues to perform reliably as a car while remaining ready to take to the skies,” the company stated.

PAL-V will now be working to finalize the Liberty’s air certification through a compliance demonstration. This features structure, engines, control, electrical, and performance examinations along with flight, ground, and simulated tests.

Once the vehicle is air-certified, it will be up for sale to professional and private buyers. The company hopes to begin deliveries by the end of the year.

FMI: www.pal-v.com