Alef Aeronautics will begin flying car tests at Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports for its road-legal VTOL aircraft, following new agreements and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the vehicle.
New Agreements Expand Flying Car Tests
Alef Aeronautics has signed formal agreements with Alef Aeronautics Half Moon Bay airport and Hollister airport. These additions bring the company’s total number of test locations to five.
The tests will feature the vehicle driving on airport grounds, performing vertical takeoffs, and operating near other aircraft. Under the agreements, conventional aircraft will retain priority and right of way during all operations.
FAA Certified Flying Car Details
The company previously received the FAA’s Special Airworthiness Certification, which permits limited testing. Current rules restrict flights to daylight hours and over sparsely populated areas, not including cities.
Alef will begin with its “Model Zero Ultralight” prototype before transitioning to its commercial Model A. The Model A is designed as a fully electric, road-legal VTOL aircraft.
Alef Model A Price and Release Date
The Alef Model A is designed to travel up to 200 miles on roads and has a flying range of 110 miles. The company plans to begin production near the end of 2025.
Priced at approximately $300,000, the vehicle has attracted over 3,300 pre-orders since 2022. A refundable $150 deposit secures a place in the regular queue, while a $1,500 deposit offers priority.
The Future of Mixed Travel
These tests could advance a new form of mixed road-air travel, particularly in suburban or rural regions. Alef will be required to alert other aircraft before its vehicles move on the ground or in the air.
Broader adoption of such vehicles will depend on significant updates to transportation regulations. Successful development could eventually lead to commutes that blend highway driving with travel through air corridors.
