What if you could “hop” over traffic?
Flying Car Gets FAA Approval
The Jetsons may not be far off from the future.
The world’s first flying car is one step closer to reality after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved it for Special Airworthiness Certification, allowing the company to begin testing flights this month.
- Alef Aeronautics Model A electric flying car is the first of its kind to receive this kind of government approval.
- It’s drivable on the streets and in the air, takes off vertically and seats two. The Model A has a driving range of 200 miles and a flying rage of 110 miles.
- Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny explained to CNBC that the car is meant “hop” over obstacles and traffic “when needed”.
- The Model A is expected to hit the skies in 2025. It comes with a $300,000 price tag.
The company reported that 440 people had placed deposits for the car. Those shelling out $150 joined the general queue, and those who paid $1,500 will get priority access when deliveries begin.
Alef may be the first flying car on the market, but it won’t be the only one. Boeing and Fiat Chrysler are in a space race to get their cars into the air. Toyota and Uber have been busily testing flying taxi concepts. And Joby Aviation’s stock soared 44% after receiving a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA.