When New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1182 into law July 24, 2020, the Granite State became the first in the nation to create a legal framework for flying cars.
Touted as the “Jetsons law” in reference to the popular 1960s futuristic cartoon The Jetsons, the new law creates a legal framework to register, inspect, and issue license plates for flying cars, which are officially known as roadable aircraft.
Specifically, the law creates a way for the owner of a roadable aircraft to register with the Division of Motor Vehicles and pay a fee to get license plates. Using the car as a plane can still only happen at the airport — and is several years away as no flying cars have received FAA approval as of yet.
The new law mandates the plane ID number issued by the New Hampshire’s aeronautics agency will be used as the vehicle’s VIN, plus each vehicle also will have an FAA N number. The bill also establishes a committee to continue looking into roadable cars in the state.
The bill, which enjoyed broad bi-partisan support from legislators, was spearheaded by members of the New Hampshire House and Senate Transportation Committees.
Three leading manufacturers in the roadable aircraft sector — PAL-V, Samson Sky and Terrafugia — joined forces to attend committee meetings, meet with legislators and policymakers, and provide practical knowledge and expertise about the roadable aircraft industry and practical solutions to registering and inspecting roadable aircraft in the state.
A former state representative, Keith Ammon, is now the New Hampshire distributor for PAL-V flying cars. According to local media reports in New Hampshire, Ammon worked with current State Rep. Steven Smith on the law.
Attracting the flying car industry to New Hampshire “was certainly a goal of the legislation,” Smith told the New Hampshire Business Review.
“This is an emerging industry and it would be great if they decided to base here because the minute they’re FAA-certified and can sell these, [buyers] can test them at Manchester Airport (KMHT) and drive them out to the hotel,” Smith told the magazine.
The three flying car companies that were involved in the legislation are, of course, happy with the new law.
“We are thrilled that Governor Sununu has signed HB 1182 into law, making New Hampshire the first state in the country to create a legal framework that will allow flying car purchasers to register their vehicle and legally drive on roads to and from airports in the state,” said Kevin Colburn, vice president and general manager of Terrafugia, which is developing the Transition flying car. “We look forward to continuing our work with New Hampshire to implement this important legislation and grow our industry.”
“This move by New Hampshire is certainly a significant step forward for the roadable aircraft industry,” PAL-V’s Ammon said. “The regulatory framework established here will help both the public and government organizations around the world understand what the real practical application is for roadable aircraft.”
“New Hampshire’s bold action sets an example others can follow throughout the United States and globally, establishing a regulatory environment that will now allow residents the seamless opportunity to depart from a local airport and actually arrive at the closest airport to their destination with a built-in, last mile solution,” added Sam Bousfield, founder and CEO of Samson Sky.
PAL-V and Terrafugia have already established a “physical presence” in New Hampshire, according to officials with the companies.
While based in Woburn, Massachusetts, Terrafugia tests its vehicles at the airport in Nashua, N.H.
All three companies plan to host a vehicle demonstration in the Granite State soon to celebrate the signing of HB 1182.
If it moves it can be taxed. Soon enough state governments will try to co-opt ADS-B data to levy carbon consumption taxes. ADS-B gives them the vehicle ID; soon its published fuel consumption, the pilot/driver ID, flight/road plan, duration in the air/on the road, They will tax every atom of carbon. Soon every kilowatt hour of electric power.
“…the new law creates a legal framework to register, inspect, and issue license plates for flying cars, which are officially known as roadable cars.”
I believe that you meant “roadable aircraft” as cars are typically roadable.
nh will tax anything that moves
we even sell our riadkill
Same fate as the ICON Flying Jet Ski, only worse.
In 1949, Molt Taylor got CAA approval to fly his Aerocar, a roadable aircraft. So, it looks like he was first, 71 years ago.
https://www.automobilemag.com/news/aerocar-history-generations-models/
There is still one that is airworthy but, I don’t know if it can be licensed for road use.?
Being subject to the automobile emission and safety standards of 1956 (none), I see no reason it couldn’t be licensed. Of course no airplane engine of any note would come even a little close to passing emission standards of 2020, or 1980 for that matter.
HiFlite,
Also, most certified aircraft engines require 100LL, or an STC for auto gas, but without any ethanol. While cars are required to use unleaded and have a cat. converter.
So, California would never allow an aircraft engine power vehicle on the roads,
Unless it’s a Rotax 900 series.
I was referring to the previous poster’s question about Molt Taylor Aerocar of ~1956. Cali and every other state allows 1956 cars to still be on the road w/o emission controls. Limits are by year of manufacture.
Rotax of course, can use unleaded gas, but must retain the capability of 100LL. Hence no cat or, more importantly, O2 sensors. Without either, there’s no way any Rotax can come close to meeting NOx, unburned hydrocarbons, and CO limits. Well, perhaps the iS versions can come close. Lycoming/Continental: not a chance.
ok, yes, CA allows cars from 1975 and older to operate without an emissions check.
So, the Aerocar would be ok using 100LL.
I agree that a new roadable aircraft would have to pass the new vehicle emissions requirements, unless the state would issue an exemption….fat chance in CA.
Yes, and Taylor’s car not only worked, but better looking.
If someone bumps this vehicle in a parking lot, it will be grounded pending an inspection by an FAA mechanic.
This is either a place to dump money, or possibly a wealthy man’s toy.
Humphrey Bogart’s reply to the question of What is the Maltese Falcon? “The thing that dreams are made of”
In Europe, road-going gyroplanes are already available, mostly as add-on kits, and legal to drive in some countries. Ground bound capabilities are more like a golf cart than a real car though, and with safety features akin to motorcycles. But they are real and flying, unlike any of the pictured examples. https://www.gyromotion.eu/