Debate around Tesla Roadster’s so-called flying-car concept has intensified after U.S. regulators pushed back on the idea. CBS sought clarification from the Federal Aviation Administration, which said the Roadster does not meet the agency’s definition of an aircraft. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration then said that, even if the vehicle appears to challenge the laws of physics, Tesla still has to ensure it complies with applicable motor vehicle safety standards, and drivers must follow local road rules.
Separate reporting from MotorTrend, cited alongside the vehicle’s technical constraints, said the demonstration car that completed three jumps at the launch event relies on stored gas for lift. Under full-thrust conditions, flight time would not last even 2 seconds, while refilling would take 6 to 7 hours. Even assuming 250 kilograms of gas storage, the Roadster would still remain airborne for less than 6 seconds at full thrust. The combined picture from regulators and technical reporting is that the Roadster should not be treated as a flying car.
Tesla Roadster’s "flying car" pitch has drawn heavy discussion, but U.S. regulators are not treating the vehicle as an aircraft. CBS asked the Federal Aviation Administration for clarification, and the FAA said the Roadster does not meet its definition of an aircraft.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later said that even if the car appears to challenge the laws of physics visually, Tesla must still make sure it complies with applicable motor vehicle safety standards. Drivers, the agency added, must also follow local road regulations. In that sense, the Roadster is not a flying car.
Reported flight time depends on stored gas
According to MotorTrend, together with the vehicle’s technical constraints, the demonstration Roadster that completed three jumps at the launch event depends on gas storage for its airborne time. Under full-thrust conditions, that flight time would not last even 2 seconds, while refilling afterward would take 6 to 7 hours.
The report also said that even with 250 kilograms of gas storage, the Roadster would still stay airborne for less than 6 seconds at full thrust.
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