In  a Jetsons-like twist, some aerospace engineers predict that Americans will soon find it easier to commute via small, personal aircraft than cars. With sky-high jet fuel costs stressing commercial airlines and driving up the cost of flights, consumers are looking for new air travel options. Engineers and airplane enthusiasts who gathered at the April’s Electric Aircraft Symposium in San Francisco marveled at aircraft of the future, from plug-in and hybrid two-seaters to ultralight engine designs.

Aviation company Pipistrel is leading this sector, winning NASA’s Personal Air Vehicle Centennial Challenge. Pipistrel is set to roll out the first round of innovative Taurus Electro two-seater gliders this year. The Taurus Electro is predicted to be capable of flying a thousand miles a day and takes as long to charge as a cell phone.

Financial and regulatory challenges still remain. While the Bush administration slashed funding for NASA’s personal aircraft research and development, the EU shows strong interest, funding twenty percent of Pipistrel’s costs to develop the Taurus. Though FAA regulations currently limit electric aircraft, the Experimental Aircraft Association has appealed to have rules changed to encourage investment and access to electric aircraft.

Though currently only available to the likes of Larry Page, Google founder who attended the symposium, fuel cell and battery advances make electric aircraft a promising possibility for off-the-grid travel.

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