A Flying Car Prototype Just Got an Airworthiness Certificate From the FAA
“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified for testing a vehicle that a California startup describes as a flying car — the first fully electric vehicle that can both fly and travel on roads to receive US government approval,” reports Alef Automotive.
According to Alef Automotive, their vehicle/aircraft called the “Model A” is unique as it can operate on public roads, park like a regular car, and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It is designed to carry one or two occupants, with a road range of 200 miles and a flying range of 110 miles.
The company plans to sell each vehicle for $300,000, and the first delivery is projected for the end of 2025.
The FAA has issued Alef Automotive a special airworthiness certificate for limited purposes, including exhibition and research and development, confirming the company’s approval.
While the FAA acknowledges that Alef is “not the first aircraft of its kind” to receive a special airworthiness certificate, Alef emphasizes that its vehicle is distinct due to its ability to function on roads and in the air, resembling a normal car and parking in regular spaces.
[IMAGE – Alef Aeronautics’ flying Car unveiling on October 19, 2022 | Alef Aeronautics Inc]
Jim Dukhovny, the CEO of Alef, expressed excitement about the certification, stating, “It allows us to move closer to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies hours each week. This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars.”
The company’s website states that the flying car will be certified as a “low-speed vehicle,” limiting its speed to around 25 miles per hour on paved roads. Alef assumes that drivers will utilize the vehicle’s flight capabilities if a faster route is needed.
However, approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still required for the vehicle to operate on roads.
Alef Automotive has been developing the vehicle since 2015, with inspiration from the “Back to the Future” movies. The company conducted an initial successful test flight of a skeleton version in 2018 and a full-size prototype in the following year. The FAA’s special airworthiness certificate is crucial for Alef to continue their research and development.
The company also revealed that they have received refundable pre-orders for over 400 vehicles this year, with general queue reservations costing $150 and priority queue reservations priced at $1,500.
Below is a clip highlighting the report, which was put together by USA Today.
