This is the first time I've ever heard this... What makes you think this?

 

This is just my opinion but I always thought the reason the Autobots didn't have unlimited flight capability was to save energy. The Decepticons added jets to their designs so they were able to fly in and take what they wanted, when they wanted it, and not concern themselves with saving energy.

I also thought the parachutes could have been part of the car modes, for racing, and Sunstreaker and Sideswipe just used them in a different way, for that episode.

IMO

Wheeljack was hesitant to fly since he was out of practice and then made a comment about staying on the ground, after his little flight.

Most bibles are created, as they go, except for any pre-determined storyline, limitations. The writers probably didn't have any limitations about flying yet.

 

The Autobots can't fly. Actually the beginning three episodes are the exception to that rule. They were still figuring out the rules then. Yes there are exceptions like Tracks and a few inconsistencies but overall that SEEMS to be the general rule.

 

As I remember - and I know Nevermore could tell you the whole truth - the original plan was to release the Sideswipe mold in yellow as Sunstreaker, and the Streaker mold in red as Sideswipe (both colors used for the molds back in Diaclone). The tech specs were written up, but at some point they swapped colors on the molds. Since "Sunstreaker" would be a weird name for the red car, they swapped the names and corresponding tech specs, too. That's why Sideswipe's tech spec refers to his rocket pack, and Sunstreaker's talks about his missile launcher. Because they were written for the other lamborghini mold.

 

only 5 arielbots and 1 proctobot and 1 techobot can fly

 

Yes, I remember very well some autobots in the air.

 

Oh, I'm aware of such things, but I decided not to mention it because I really doubt they bothered with it given all the major inconsistencies. And they may have initially looked at the tech specs, but as time went on? Psh. Doubtful.

 

So....which Technobot? Strafe or Scattershot?  

 

every single one of the autobots flies during arrival from cybertron, how else do you think they got to the oil-rig and met spike etc

 

And 2 minibots, 1 Dinobot, 1 Jump-starter, 1 Deluxe Autobot, 1 Macross import, 1 Macross import's cartoon analogue...

 

Thats a compilation of More than meets the Eyes Parts 1, 2 and 3. The episodes we're talking about that has inconsistant flying compared to the rest of the series.

 

Despite the wings, I've never considered Topspin to be a flyer. I looked at his wings more like a spoilers on a race car - It helps with control at high speed, but isn't enough to give lift.

His function is Land and Sea Assault.

 

No Transformer can fly, they just jump really high