Flying cars are no longer just science fiction – they’re becoming a reality in California this year. Alef Aeronautics has developed the Model A, a vehicle that can both drive on roads and fly through the air. If you’re curious about seeing this futuristic machine in person, you’re in luck – test flights are already happening at specific airports near San Francisco.
1. Alef Aeronautics Is the Company Behind It
Founded in 2015, Alef Aeronautics is a California startup aiming to merge road and air travel. Its mission is simple but ambitious: create a fully electric car that can take off vertically and fly like a drone.
The company operates from San Mateo, right in the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech corridor. This location gives them access to top engineers and investors who believe in revolutionary transportation.
With over 3,300 pre-orders already placed, Alef is proving that people are ready for the next generation of travel.
2. It’s the First Flying Car Cleared to Fly in the U.S.
In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration granted Alef a Special Airworthiness Certificate – a limited but historic approval allowing its prototype to fly for testing and demonstrations. This marked a groundbreaking moment in American aviation history.
No other electric vehicle designed for both roads and the sky has received this kind of clearance in the United States. The certification means Alef can legally conduct test flights under controlled conditions.
While this isn’t full commercial approval yet, it’s a major step forward for the flying car industry.
3. It Can Drive and Fly
The Model A is designed as a dual-purpose vehicle. On the ground, it drives like a low-speed electric car, perfect for city streets and local roads.
In the air, it can reach a flight range of up to 110 miles, while its driving range is about 200 miles. The car’s body contains eight electric propellers for lift, and it can take off vertically without needing a runway.
This means you could theoretically drive to a parking lot, take off straight up, and fly over traffic to your destination.
4. You Can Spot It in Coastal California
Travelers eager to witness the future of transportation can look to Half Moon Bay Airport and Hollister Airport, both south of San Francisco. These two locations are where Alef has begun test operations and demonstration flights.
Half Moon Bay is approximately 30 miles from San Francisco, making it an easy 30-minute drive. Hollister sits about 80 miles south, roughly 1.5 hours away depending on traffic.
Both airports offer the public its first real glimpse of a flying car in action, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Deliveries Could Begin Soon – With Challenges Ahead
Alef has opened preorders for the Model A, priced at around $300,000, with hopes of limited deliveries starting as early as 2025. The company has already received over 3,300 orders from eager customers worldwide.
However, large-scale production and full certification for everyday use will take time. Regulatory approvals, safety standards, and airspace coordination are still major hurdles before flying cars become part of daily life.
Despite these challenges, the future looks promising for anyone dreaming of skipping rush hour traffic by flying above it.
