Once upon a time, flying cars existed only in the fictional worlds of sci-fi films like Back to the Future or The Fifth Element. However, this dream seems to be一步步走向現實。來自美國矽谷的新創公司 ASKA 推出的 A5 飛行車，不僅成功完成道路測試，更獲得了美國聯邦航空管理局（FAA）頒發的「特殊適航證書」，成為全球首款同時獲得 FAA 與 DMV（車輛管理局）認證的飛行車。ASKA A5 的誕生，凝聚了團隊長達七年的研發心血。這個名稱來自日語中的「飛翔」意思，創辦人 Guy Kaplinsky 帶領一群工程師，試圖打破傳統交通的藩籬，創造一款真正能夠「陸地行駛」與「空中飛行」合而為一的創新載具。
ASKA A5 Flying Car Secures Dual FAA and DMV Certification: $789,000 to Make Your Sky Dreams Come True
This flying car is about the size of a typical SUV, and with its wings folded, it can drive on regular roads just like any other car. The A5 features a four-seat design with a full electric system plus a range extender, combining lithium-ion batteries with a traditional engine in a hybrid configuration that balances environmental concerns with range requirements. Unlike pure electric aircraft, ASK’s hybrid system allows drivers to refuel at existing gas stations, significantly improving convenience.
400 km range, 150 mph top speed
In terms of flight performance, the ASKA A5 delivers an impressive showing. According to official data, this flying car has a flight range of up to 250 miles (approximately 400 km), sufficient to handle most inter-city travel needs. Its maximum flight speed reaches 150 mph (approximately 240 km/h), making long-distance commutes no longer a time-consuming ordeal.
The A5 supports two takeoff and landing modes: VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) and STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing). The VTOL capability means pilots don’t need to rely on traditional airport runways—they can complete takeoff and landing at suitable landing points. This design significantly expands the range of possible use cases, making the dream of “takeoff anywhere” within reach.
In terms of safety design, the ASKA team has truly gone all out. The A5 is equipped with six independent motor systems, each with its own dedicated battery power source, which significantly reduces the risk of system failure from a single point of failure. Additionally, the aircraft features large wings that not only optimize flight efficiency but also enable gliding landings in emergency situations. The vehicle also has a built-in ballistic parachute system to ensure safe landing in extreme conditions, protecting passenger safety.
Historic Breakthrough: Dual FAA and DMV Certification
On June 30, 2023, the ASKA A5 successfully received a Special Airworthiness Certificate and a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA. This milestone enabled ASKA to conduct unmanned flight test programs under FAA oversight. That same year, this flying car also obtained road testing permits from the California DMV, becoming the world’s first flying car to receive both aviation and highway dual certification. However, the certificates issued by the FAA are currently primarily for research and development testing, and do not permit ASKA to directly sell the product to consumers. The company is actively collaborating with the FAA to advance the Type Certification process, striving to reach the G1 basis review stage, which is a critical step toward obtaining formal commercial marketing qualification.
As of now, ASKA has successfully completed over 300 miles of road testing, accumulating extensive driving data to support subsequent certification applications. Company founder Kaplinsky stated that there are currently over 100 pre-orders, with estimated total orders exceeding $50 million, demonstrating the market’s high expectations for this innovative product.
Price and Pre-order: $789,000 to Make Your Dream Come True
Such a dreamy vehicle naturally comes with a hefty price tag. According to ASKA’s official announcement, the estimated price for the ASKA A5 is $789,000 USD (approximately NT$25 million), comparable to a top-tier luxury car. The company is currently accepting pre-orders, with consumers needing only a $5,000 deposit to get in line. For the general public, this price may be out of reach, but ASKA has already begun planning a shared service model. The company expects to obtain full certification in 2026 and then launch on-demand ride-hailing services in major US cities, giving ordinary people the chance to experience the charm of flying cars.
Challenges and Limitations: The Gap Between Reality and Ideals
Although ASKA A5 may appear to have a promising future, we still need to take a clear-eyed look at the real challenges this product faces.
First, driver’s license requirements present a major barrier. To legally operate the ASKA A5, users need not only a standard car license but also a corresponding pilot’s license. This means the vast majority of regular drivers cannot independently control this flying car without professional training. The training costs, time investment, and difficulty of obtaining a pilot’s license are all significant obstacles that cannot be overlooked.
Secondly, the regulatory environment remains highly uncertain. Currently, the FAA only grants special airworthiness certificates for testing purposes, and formal commercialization is still a long way off. Regulatory frameworks for low-altitude aircraft remain incomplete across different countries, making it unclear whether flying cars could ever be operated freely by ordinary citizens. Will flight corridors or no-fly zones be established in the future? What restrictions will apply to altitude and time of day? None of these questions have clear answers yet.
Additionally, the lack of infrastructure poses a significant challenge. Flying cars require dedicated takeoff and landing points (vertiports), but existing urban planning has virtually no space reserved for these. Finding suitable locations for vertical takeoff and landing in crowded urban jungles is no easy feat. Furthermore, supporting facilities such as charging stations, maintenance hubs, and emergency landing zones all require time and capital investment. This is also why these types of “flying carOver the years, this product has always been in the news, but the problem is it never actually launched.
Conclusion
Flying cars represent humanity’s longing for the skies and the courage to innovate, but for declarations like “the era of flying cars is here,” we recommend staying rationally cautious. The technology exists and certification is in place, but the real challenges are just beginning. For flying cars to become widespread among the general public, it may take another decade or even longer. The reasons are simple: safety and reliability, regulations, infrastructure, and licensing barriers—these hurdles cannot disappear overnight. In the future, the commercialization path for flying cars is more likely to move toward designated-area flights and shared mobility models rather than individual ownership. The vision of skies filled with flying cars like in Back to the Future may still be several decades away.
Source: KOCPC Chinese