A historic milestone has been achieved as the first flying car, the “Model A” developed by Alef Aeronautics, has received legal permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin testing. This approval is a necessary step before the vehicle can be released to the public.
Alef Aeronautics is the first company to be granted a Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA, as confirmed by the company in a news release. The certification outlines specific locations and purposes for which the vehicle is allowed to fly. Additionally, the vehicle must meet the safety standards set by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration before it can take flight.
Jim Dukhovny, the CEO of Alef Aeronautics, expressed hope that the certification will be the next step for the company. He emphasized the historical significance of the achievement, stating that while there have been pioneers in the field of flying cars, this is the first time a vehicle resembling a traditional car has been granted permission to fly. Furthermore, Alef’s “Model A” is the first electric car to receive such approval, and its vertical takeoff capability aligns with people’s perception of a flying car.
Under the Code of Federal Regulations, Alef is required to report any issues, malfunctions, or defects to the relevant U.S. government agency during the development and testing phase of the “Model A.”
Excitingly, Alef Aeronautics has announced that preorders for the flying car are now open. The Santa Clara-based company stated on its website that the “Model A” can carry one or two occupants, is 100% electric, drivable on public roads, and equipped with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The vehicle will be categorized as a Low-Speed Vehicle, meaning it will not exceed 25 miles per hour on paved surfaces. However, if a faster route is required, the flight capabilities of the vehicle can be utilized.
Interested customers can place a $150 deposit to secure a spot on the waiting list or pay $1,500 for a priority spot in the queue. The anticipated price for the “Model A” is approximately $300,000.
Alef Aeronautics, founded in 2015, has been actively testing its flying car prototype since 2019. The version available to customers will have a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles.
The company plans to begin delivering the vehicles to customers by late 2025. With this achievement, Alef Aeronautics aims to provide an environmentally friendly and faster commute, saving individuals and companies valuable time. The advent of a real flying car is an exciting step forward, realizing a concept that has long captivated people’s imagination and was even popularized in movies like “Back to the Future.”
