Heavy metal it ain't. Trans Air Systems' TAS-102 or "flying motorcycle" concept would give passengers the ultimate free-bird feeling by allowing them to truly fly over society's boundaries.

A small "roadable" aircraft, the TAS-102 is meant to allow the owners to use the same vehicle they road to the airpot in to, well, fly. With one vehicle, an owner with a lengthy regular commute would conserve time, fuel, and garage space -- all while bypassing those chumps in the carpools.

Truly a cross between a small aircraft and a motorcycle, a separate motorcycle engine will power it on the road, while in the air a small aircraft engine will take over. The TAS-102 design concentrates on low weight and low cost. The wings simply detach rather than folding up, which means no heavy joints or hinges or added points of wing stress in flight.

Inventor Thomas McNally settled on a two-passenger "motorcycle" for his craft when he concluded most cars on the road weren't carrying more than two people anyway. He intends the reduced passenger space, design constraints and horsepower needs of a two-passenger "air scooter" will keep it affordable enough for commuters.

If successful, the TAS-102 could be the ultimate trip for pilots who were born to be wild.

http://www.transairsystems.com/

-- Robert Myers