Testing for Flying Cars at California Airports

Photo Credits: Alef

A flying car that had been in development for quite some time is now entering its testing phases. The vehicle is capable of driving on the road alongside other cars, as well as lifting off directly from the road to fly over traffic jams. The testing is all set to begin at two airports in California. 

eVTOL manufacturer Alef Aeronautics revealed in a recently released statement that it has signed flight testing agreements with Half Moon Bay (KHAF) and Hollister Municipal (KCVH) airports. In 2023, the company received an experimental category special airworthiness certification, allowing it to take its prototype Model Zero out for drive-and-fly testing on the streets of California. 

The first phase of testing will be conducted using an ultralight variant of the Model Zero, followed by trials with the original prototype and commercial Model A. Alef plans to sell the latter for $300,000 and says it has received more than 3,300 pre-orders through its website. 

Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, emphasised that Alef is, first and foremost, a car, using the automotive infrastructure, business model, and market.  He stated, "The novelty is integrating a car into the aviation infrastructure and air traffic. Working in safe, controlled, non-towered airport environments will help Alef, the FAA, airport operators, and pilots see how this will work in the future at scale."  

While other players in the industry are building winged designs also classified as flying cars, they do not offer the eVTOL capabilities of Alef models, which can lift off directly from the street.