Alef Aeronautics begins testing operations at Silicon Valley airports

Alef Aeronautics has announced that it will begin testing operations at the Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF) and the Hollister Airport (CVH). Alef states that its car with vertical takeoff will be tested at the airports for its integration in the common air traffic patterns. Two agreements have expanded Randamp;D flight test locations to five. According to the agreement, traditional aircraft will be given priority and the company plans to expand its safety procedures to alert other aircraft of Alef car movements both in the air and on the ground. The company will also add AI obstacle recognition to its car.Alef's flying car is 100 percent electric, can drive on public roads and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The company has received pre-orders through its website and is moving forward ahead of mass production. In 2023, Alef earned a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, becoming the first of its kind to receive the legal approval to fly. The certificate limited the locations and purpose for which the vehicle could fly but was a step toward getting flying cars into the air. "Alef first and foremost is a car, using the automotive infrastructure, automotive business model, and automotive market," said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef. "The novelty is integrating a car into the aviation infrastructure and air traffic. Working in safe, controlled, non-towered airport environments will help Alef, FAA, airport operators, and pilots see how this will work in the future at scale. Electric aviation is more environmentally friendly, quieter, and requires less space — hence it is good to see Silicon Valley airports embracing electric aviation." RELATED STORIES: Alef signs mass manufacturing agreement for flying car, secures pre-orders One step closer to flying cars - ASKA, Alef progress with FAA type certification Samson sky announces motor supplier for the Switchblade 'flying car' Samson Sky announces pilot training program for the Switchblade Operations will start the Model Zero Ultralight, and will expand to other Model Zero models and the commercial Model A. Testing will include driving, vertical takeoff, forward flight, vertical landing and air and ground maneuvering.