Alef Model A Image: Alef
General
Aviation
/ USA
on an experimental basis
First All-Electric Flying Car Just Got FAA Certified
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 6/29/2023
Alef Model A
Image: Alef
Alef's electric flying car received the Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). This means that the aircraft will only be able to fly on an experimental basis.
"We are thrilled to receive this certification from the FAA," Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny said in a statement. "This allows us to get closer to bringing people a faster, more eco-friendly commute, saving individuals and businesses hours a week."
The FAA said it provided the certificate for a precursor to the production model (the Armada Model Zero, not the Model A). As such, the production vehicle still needs to be certified. In addition, it needs to meet National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety standards.
The company has been testing a full-size, fully operational prototype of the vehicle since 2019. The vehicle is all-electric and can be used both on the street and in flight. In addition, it can take off and land vertically. The vehicle is already on pre-sale and the company says it has already received pre-orders.
The all-electric aircraft will have a range of approximately 200 miles on the road and 110 miles in the air. It will have a top speed of around 35 mph and will be able to seat two passengers.
However, certification allows the car to be used only on an experimental basis, such as exhibition, research and development. It's not a vehicle that anyone can jump in and out of while flying, at least not yet.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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