The flying motorcycle is a reality , thanks to American inventor Larry Neal. “And I’m flying it!” said Neal, president of Oklahoma-based Butterfly LLC.

The Super Skycycle received a US patent on 27 December 2005, and the very next day Larry test flew the aircraft with new folding rotors. The patent covers a ‘fl y-drive vehicle’ with a folding rotor shaft and a transmission to power either the rear-mounted propeller or wheels – though the Skycycle is still driven by the prop on roads.

“Every flying vehicle we design and build will be based on this patent,” Neal said. “It means we’re free to develop practical flying vehicles without infringing on patent rights of other inventors.” A two-place flying car version is also being developed. “The problem with flying cars in the past was what to do with the wings once you were on the ground,” said Neal.

“With a ‘fly-drive’ gyroplane, just fold the rotor blades and drive on down the road. “There’s nothing else like it,” said Larry. “It’s a gyroplane that can fl y at freeway speeds, land in 20 feet, be driven home as a motorcycle, and fits in your garage.”