THE HELICYCLE

Written by Lee King

When I was younger I always thought we’d have flying cars by now. Well it looks like we might be getting a little closer to that reality. The Helicycle ($395,000) by Hammacher is able to convert from a motorcycle to a gyrocopter in just 10 minutes. It’s a gyrocopter because the rotors are passive and provide lift from the vehicles forward movement. It features a 230-hp, four-cylinder engine that can reach a maximum airspeed of 112 mph and has a 220-mile range. To get airborne it requires 540′ of runway and to land only about 100′. If you’re planning to get one make sure you have the required sports pilot certificate before you take off.