THE world's first flying car has come closer to lift-off after being granted road safety exemptions that will allow it to be used both on the road and in the air.
The Transition Roadable Aircraft, likely to cost �160,000, can fold its wings away to drive on the road.
Its makers have been given permission to use special tyres that will not weigh down the aircraft when it is in flight.
Instead of heavy glass windows, it will have panes made from a polycarbonate material that is lighter and less likely to shatter.
The exceptions granted by the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week mean the car-plane � which echoes famous flying car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang � has come within reach of going on sale for the first time.
With a wing span of 27.5ft and an airborne range of 460 miles, owners could soar into the skies and cruise at 115mph if traffic gets too much.The 19ft-long device takes unleaded petrol and can be parked in a garage. But prospective buyers must have a flying licence � and the car will only start if a special code is used.
Manufacturer Terrafugia, based in Woburn, Massachusetts, said it should come on the market at the end of next year.
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