General History

This Road Air was the first prototype, and last production model built by Herbert Trautman.  The idea of making a car that could fly had always been a fascination for Herb.  The idea for a plane/car combination was first conceived of in the aviation pioneer days prior to World War I but technical limitations of the time prevented any serious progress to be made.  Interest was rekindled in the late 1920’s when ideas and activity flourished.  A few successful projects flew and all had one thing in common, they were neither good cars nor good airplanes.  The depression squelched any further interest until after World War II. 

A gentleman by the name of Fulton, designed a flying car that the U.S. Navy actually backed during the war.  It first flew in 1946.  By the time this 'Obese Piper Tri-Pacer' look-alike was certified in 1950, Herb Trautmann had begun construction of the Road Air.  Unfortunately, the performance of the Fulton Airphibian could not keep up with the demands of powerful turnpike cruisers that the American public was looking for.  In 1952, the Fulton Aircraft Company was disbanded.  Undaunted, Herb continued to build his dream car until it was completed in 1959. 

After finishing his dream flying car, Herb was ready for his maiden flight.  Herb climbed in, locked the hatch, started the Road Air and began to taxi.  Feeling comfortable he began to get the feel of the Road Air on faster and faster runs.  Finally, he lined up into the wind, applied full power and headed down the runway.  At about 90 mph the Road Air lifted off the ground to about 3 feet.  As Herb soon began to loose control, he set the Road Air back on the runway averting disaster.  After going home to clean his underwear, he put it in storage, never to be flown again.

Personal History

When Kermit purchased the Tallmantz Collection in 1985 the Road Air was on loan for display by Mr. Trautmann.  When packing the collection for shipment to Florida, Herb, in his eighties, came out for a visit to decide what to do with his aircraft.  He had no place to store it and when Kermit offered to take it back to Florida, Mr. Trautman signed over a Bill of Sale and gave it to him on the spot. 

In 1996 the Road Air was restored to run-able condition.  It is sometimes taken by trailer to trade shows and events as an attention getter to help promote Fantasy of Flight.  On one promotional outing, the Road Air was taken down to the local U.S.A. Speedway and driven around the track for a quick demonstration.

Kermit Comment

With the engine running, the fixed-pitch pusher prop provides the thrust to move the car forward down the road and for flight.  There are brakes to stop the Road Air, but there is no provision for backing up.  To get the aircraft ready for flight, the cockpit front hatch is opened and handles are pulled to open doors that are located on the outside lower part of the Road Air’s body.  The wings are folded out where they lock in place and the doors are shut tight.  Controls are similar to an aircraft with a control column and rudder pedals.  To drive the Road Air, the pedals that operate the flight rudders in the rear also turn the front wheels for steering on the ground.

You don’t always get what you want, but you always get what you need.  Maybe it was destiny that the Road Air ended up here in Florida to show to the world one man’s Fantasy of Flight.