Company Working to Pass Roadworthy Aircraft Legislation

The Samson Switchblade had its maiden flight in 2023

Flying car manufacturer Samson Sky and legislative bodies in the U.S. are working to ensure that roadable aircraft can be registered and licensed in all 50 states.

“We’re excited to provide industry input to legislators laying the foundation for this new form of transportation,” said Russell Bousfield, Samson’s legislative analyst. “It’s been rewarding to work with lawmakers that share a desire for aerospace advancements.”

Samson Sky was one of three companies to provide industry input to New Hampshire’s House Transportation Committee, resulting in the first-ever legislation for state registration of roadable aircraft. Dubbed the “Jetson Bill,” it included wording to allow roadable aircraft a method of registration to allow their use on roadways, according to the company.

The new legislation specifies that drivers of roadable aircraft must adhere to the rules of the road like any other vehicle.

The company is working with numerous other states on similar legislation, and Bousfield affirmed that bills are actively being drafted in eight states.

“Legislation to simplify the integration of roadable aircraft into the highway system will benefit all flying car manufacturers,” said Bousfield. “We thank the legislative members who have drafted bills for their contribution to advancing aerospace innovation.”

Samson’s Switchblade flying sports car, which had its maiden flight in November 2023, has a unique hybrid electric system, which uses unleaded gas rather than leaded aviation fuel.

The Switchblade’s SkyBrid hybrid electric drive system sets the stage for future all-electric versions of the flying car. The Switchblade seats two, side-by-side, with room to store travel bags, and flies up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas.

For more information about the Switchblade and to follow its production, visit: samsonsky.com

By Pat Curtin

Pat Curtin is the managing editor of THE SHOP magazine.