“One small step for planes, one giant leap for cars”. So said Jim Dukhovny, CEO d’Alef Aeronautics, after his company received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – the agency regulating civil aviation in the United States – for its flying car. Claiming to design and develop “the world’s first real flying car”this sustainable mobility company unveiled its Model A last October, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
Selling for $300,000, it’s a low-speed car that can be driven on the road and pivots sideways to fly. Capable of carrying up to two passengers, it has a range of around 322 km and a flight range of around 177 km, according to the company. While Alef Aeronautics has been testing its flight capabilities for a few years, no video proving them has been released. However, the company has just taken a step forward by being the first to be authorized to fly by the FAA.
A certification accompanied by limits
Specifically, Alef Aeronautics received a special airworthiness certification. With this authorization, the company will only be able to fly its prototypes in order to finalize the development of its flying car. She also specifies that this certificate limits the locations and the purposes for which her Model A is authorized to fly because “The FAA is actively working on its policies for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles”.
“We are delighted to receive this certification from the FAA. It allows us to move closer to a greener and faster mode of transport, allowing individuals and businesses to save hours every week”, said its CEO. The certification obtained by the company does not mean that it can launch its flying car on the market but it plans to start deliveries by the end of 2025. Alef Aeronautics says that more than 440 reservations of its vehicle have already been made. carried out.
2023-07-04 11:01:33
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