After revealing the prototype of the flying car a few days ago, Alef Aeronautics has moved closer to launching its operations after receiving a special airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Receiving Certification from US FAA

California-based sustainable electric transportation company Alef Aeronautics announced that the company's Model A flying vehicle received special certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration. According to a report from Interesting Engineering, this marks the first time a vehicle received legal approval from the US government to operate on the air.

The FAA developed regulations for the electronic vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and how the eVTOLS interface with ground infrastructure. Fortunately, Alef received a go signal from the company by receiving Special Airworthiness Certificate. However, this will restrict areas and objects for which Alef may fly once the operations start.

Chief Executive Officer Jim Dukhovny stated through PR Newswire that this recognition from the government will help the company to move close to bringing people an environmentally friendly and faster commute, which saves individuals and companies much more hours in a week. This is one small step for planes, one giant step for cars," he said.

Alef Model A Flying Car

Alef aims to use innovative technology to elevate its offerings that secure the driver or passengers above regular traffic, enabling quicker, simpler travel, and reducing urban congestion during driving. Bloomberg reported that eight propellers housed inside a body that has the same as a big automobile will launch the vehicle vertically if used as intended. 

Engineer and Co-Founder Constantine Ksily stated that the initial Model A of the company should have a payload of roughly 200 pounds or 90.7 kilograms. Make sure that this will already include the passenger and luggage included in the vehicle.  Though the vehicle's top surface, it will allow air to move through the flying car.

Aside from its unique design, Model A has only been tested on tiny prototypes. This will rotate the body of the vehicle 90 degrees around its long axis to change from upward to forward flight. Spinning will make the higher wing on one side of the body while the lower wing is on the other side. 

Alef also clarified that the Modal A flying vehicle is compatible with a city's existing parking and transportation systems, which will only require a simple drone license. The company plans to start production and make its first batch of deliveries by 2025 in the fourth quarter.

CEO Dukhovny stated that the model is a clear modern solution for transportation needs for both urban and rural, needed in the 21st century since it is the fastest and most convenient transport ever created from the point of origin to the final destination. Once the driver enables to choose driving or flying mode, this will allow the optimal path depending on road conditions, weather, and infrastructure.

Also Read: This Chinese Automaker Wants to Take Electric Vehicles into the Skies

Meanwhile, Alef works on other vehicles like the Model Z which contains a seating capacity of up to four people with a 35,000 dollar beginning price that is expected to debut in 2035. Compared to the Model A, the vehicle starts at a $35,000 beginning price. 

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