The Terrafugia Transition® production prototype has completed the first phase of its flight test program. Phase 1 flight testing, conducted at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, NY, allowed Terrafugia to check off many critical early testing objectives for the Transition® program. "It's a real airplane; we're flying it whenever we want, for as long as we want," said Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich.

Test items accomplished include power on and power off handling, aircraft stability, engine cooling evaluation, and propeller setting optimization in various flight conditions. Five more flight test phases are planned.

The production prototype is now moving into drive testing to explore the ground drivetrain, suspension tuning, braking performance, and road handling.

"We have great momentum going in our testing program," said Terrafugia COO Anna Mracek Dietrich. "Our top priority this summer is flight and drive-testing, in anticipation of certifying compliance with the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards."

The Transition® was flown by Chief Test Pilot and Director of Flight Test Operations Col. Phil Meteer (US Air Force-Retired). The chase aircraft was flown by Giora Guth. Terrafugia wishes to thank Plattsburgh International Airport (KPBG) and Sheltair Aviation at KPBG for their hospitality.

Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is a growing aerospace company founded by pilots and engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and private investors. The company name is Latin for "escape the earth." Terrafugia's mission is to design and deliver revolutionary, practical air and land vehicles that provide freedom, flexibility and fun to their loyal customers.