Flying cars aren’t just science fiction anymore: they’re becoming a reality in California this year. Alef Aeronautics has developed the Model A, a vehicle capable of both driving on the road and flying in the air. If you’re curious to see this futuristic machine in person, you’re in luck: test flights are already taking place at some airports near San Francisco.
1. Alef Aeronautics is the company behind it all
Founded in 2015, Alef Aeronautics is a California startup aiming to merge road and air transportation. Its mission is simple but ambitious: to create an entirely electric car capable of taking off vertically and flying like a drone.
The company operates out of San Mateo, right in the heart of the Silicon Valley 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 proves that people are ready for the next generation of travel.
2. It’s the first flying car allowed to fly in the United States
In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration granted Alef a special certificate of airworthiness – a limited but historic approval allowing its prototype to fly for tests and demonstrations. This marked a revolutionary moment in American aviation history.
No other electric vehicle designed for both the road and the sky has received this type of approval in the United States. The certification means that Alef can legally conduct test flights under controlled conditions.
Although this is not yet full commercial approval, it is a major step forward for the flying car industry.
3. He 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 achieve a flight range of up to 110 miles, while its driving range is around 200 miles. The car body contains eight electric propellers for lifting and it can take off vertically without the need for a runway.
This means you can theoretically drive to a parking lot, take off straight, and fly through traffic to your destination.
4. You can spot it on the California coast
Travelers eager to witness the future of transportation can look to Half Moon Bay Airport and Hollister Airport, both south of San Francisco. It was at these two sites that Alef began its test operations and demonstration flights.
Half Moon Bay is about 30 miles from San Francisco, making it an easy 30-minute drive. Hollister is about 80 miles south, about an hour and a half depending on traffic.
Both airports offer the public their first real glimpse of a flying car in action, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Deliveries could start soon – with challenges ahead
Alef has opened pre-orders for the Model A, priced around $300,000, with hopes of limited deliveries as early as 2025. The company has already received more than 3,300 orders from enthusiastic customers around the world.
However, large-scale production and full certification for everyday use will take time. Regulatory approvals, safety standards and airspace coordination remain major hurdles before flying cars become part of everyday life.
Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for anyone who dreams of avoiding rush hour traffic by flying over it.