model A, Aleph AeronauticsFlying car acquires special airworthiness certificate
DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb
In a significant step forward in personal air mobility, San Mateo-based flying car company Aleph Aeronautics recently announced that its “Model A” vehicles have received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA. Although the “special” certificate limits the areas and purposes the Model A can fly, this is the first time a vehicle in this class has received legal approval to fly. Alef’s CEO, Jim Dukhovny, said in a press release: This brings us closer to providing people with a greener and faster commute, saving individuals and businesses time each week. That’s one small step for an airplane, one giant step for a car. “
Scheduled to go into production in 2025, Model A is one of the most high-profile eVTOLs with on-road capabilities, a unique and flexible approach to the advanced air mobility space. With nearly 200 miles of range and 110 miles in the air, the Model A is an all-wheel-drive, road-legal two-seater and full-fledged eVTOL, with 3x to 8x redundancy of all major components and advanced stabilization and safety technology, including real-time 1000-point diagnostics, pre-flight deny start diagnostics, obstacle detection and avoidance.
Since emerging from stealth in late 2022, the Aleph has made headlines with its new design, backed by the likes of early Tesla and Google investor Tim Draper. The Model A is available for consumer and commercial pre-orders at a price of $300,000, and Aleph said it had sold 440 units as of January, most of which were donated to an anonymous Hong Kong-based mobility company. Meanwhile, the FAA continues to explore the advanced air mobility space, and recently participated in the Archer Aviation demonstration, demonstrating the key role regulators are playing in the evolution of this rapidly evolving new field.
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Ian McNabb is a staff writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. His interests include geopolitics, emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and sports at Boston University.
Miriam McNabb, editor-in-chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of professional drone services marketplace JobForDrones, is a keen observer of the emerging drone industry and drone regulatory environment. Miriam is an international speaker and industry recognized figure, with over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and he has over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, email Miriam.
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