Flying cars just got real. The Parajet SkyRunner is part all-terrain buggy, part light aircraft, as quick as a Porsche but can soar to 15,000 feet at 55mph. Test pilots Dean Eldridge and Kester Haynes tell The Club what it is like to fly the coolest innovation in light aviation

How does a flying car, well, fly? 

We have an inflated parafoil wing, which makes it similar to driving a normal car. The only difference is the faster you go, the more lift is created from the wing, until you get enough to be able to take off.

And what is it like to fly?

The transition is the cool part, where you go from bouncing along on terra firma to super-smooth flying. It’s like a dune buggy, so there’s a wonderful sensation of having the wind in your face and not being enclosed in a cockpit.

What has been your favourite thing about the experience?

You can cover all types of terrain and fly over water or mountains. Conversely, we can fly in all weather conditions as well. If an unexpected thunderstorm appeared, we could land and continue as a car.

Where are the most fun places to fly?

One of our favourite flights was in America. We flew over a plateau that was about 1,000 feet higher than where we took off, and the sun was setting behind some sand dunes. We would have had no other way of reaching that area without flying there. You can find yourself in remote places quite quickly, and it is nice to be able to do that. The best places are always where you have some great topographical features. We like flying near the coast. You always get nice smooth winds coming from the sea as well.

How much distance do you need to take off?

If there’s no wind, we require 40-50 metres to get airborne. If there’s any wind speed, that distance is reduced. It can be as low as 25 metres.

How easy is it to operate in the air?

It’s quite intuitive. If you want to go right, you use your right hand. It’s the same with the left. The power is the accelerator, the same pedal you use when you’re in the car mode. The more power you apply, the higher you go; the less power, you fly down.

And the landing?

It’s very smooth. Because the car has great off-road suspension, even if you get your landing slightly heavy, the suspension soaks it up.

How much training do potential owners require?

You could get airborne quite quickly, but to make you a safe pilot, you would need about two weeks.

Could someone come in having never done any type of flying before?

Any aviation experience is advantageous but not essential.

Why do you think the idea of a flying car captures so many people’s imagination?

For as long as the motorcar has been around, which is a similar time to aircraft, people have wanted to combine them. It’s a very exciting prospect.

Parajet’s SkyRunner will be available to buy from the end of April at an estimated cost of £75,000.

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This article has been tagged Technology, Driving