Short answer
The Klein Vision AirCar is our top pick because it earned a certificate of airworthiness in 2022 after a 35-minute intercity flight. The PAL-V Liberty has road admission and 2026 production approval, while the Alef Model A and ASKA A5 hold FAA special certificates for limited flying.
- Furthest on certification
- Klein Vision AirCar
- Road-approved since 2020
- PAL-V Liberty
- Basis
- Editorial order, not a numeric score
8 of the Coolest Real-Life Flying Cars at a Glance
| Vehicle | Standing | Version / era |
|---|---|---|
| Klein Vision AirCarPrototype, 2021–2022 | Airworthiness certificate | Prototype, 2021–2022 |
| PAL-V LibertyGyroplane flying car | Road-approved, production-approved | Gyroplane flying car |
| Alef Model AElectric vertical-takeoff car | FAA special airworthiness certificate | Electric vertical-takeoff car |
| ASKA A5Drive-and-fly eVTOL | FAA special airworthiness certificate | Drive-and-fly eVTOL |
| Doroni H1Two-seat eVTOL | FAA airworthiness certificate | Two-seat eVTOL |
| Samson SwitchbladeFlying sports car | Three-wheeled road-and-air design | Flying sports car |
| Xpeng Aridge Land Aircraft CarrierModular two-part system | Modular car-plus-aircraft system | Modular two-part system |
| Terrafugia TransitionRoadable aircraft, historic | Pioneer, programme ended | Roadable aircraft, historic |
No entries match your search.
8 of the Coolest Real-Life Flying Cars: Entry Details
Klein Vision AirCar
Prototype, 2021–2022 · Airworthiness certificateA 35-minute flight between Nitra and Bratislava in 2021 preceded a certificate of airworthiness dated 24 January 2022. Testing reached 190 km/h; the production model is projected at 300 km/h. A 35-minute flight between Nitra and Bratislava in 2021 preceded a certificate of airworthiness dated 24 January 2022. Testing reached 190 km/h; the production model is projected at 300 km/h.
- Certificate
- 24 January 2022
- Tested top speed
- 190 km/h
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Certificate and long test record
- Converts between car and aircraft
Things to consider
- Production figures are projections
PAL-V Liberty
Gyroplane flying car · Road-approved, production-approvedThe Liberty has had road admission since 2020 and obtained European production organization approval on 7 September 2026. It still needs aircraft type certification, and the company lists first deliveries for 2028. The Liberty has had road admission since 2020 and obtained European production organization approval on 7 September 2026. It still needs aircraft type certification, and the company lists first deliveries for 2028.
- Road admission
- 2020
- Remaining step
- Aircraft type certification
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Plated for public roads
- Both automotive and aviation production approvals
Things to consider
- Deliveries depend on type certification
Alef Model A
Electric vertical-takeoff car · FAA special airworthiness certificateThe FAA issued a special airworthiness certificate on 12 June 2023, limited to uses such as exhibition and research. Alef claims a 200-mile driving range and 110-mile flying range. The FAA issued a special airworthiness certificate on 12 June 2023, limited to uses such as exhibition and research. Alef claims a 200-mile driving range and 110-mile flying range.
- Certificate
- 12 June 2023
- Claimed range
- 200 mi road, 110 mi air
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Car-shaped electric design
- Early FAA certificate
Things to consider
- Certificate excludes carrying people for hire
ASKA A5
Drive-and-fly eVTOL · FAA special airworthiness certificateASKA’s four-seat A5 earned a special airworthiness certification for its pre-production prototype in 2023. The company says it is the first flying car to begin FAA type certification, and cites a 250-mile flight range. ASKA’s four-seat A5 earned a special airworthiness certification for its pre-production prototype in 2023. The company says it is the first flying car to begin FAA type certification, and cites a 250-mile flight range.
- Seats
- Four
- Claimed flight range
- 250 miles
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Four seats
- Vertical takeoff capability
Things to consider
- No certification update found after 2023
Doroni H1
Two-seat eVTOL · FAA airworthiness certificateDoroni announced an FAA special airworthiness certificate in December 2023 for its two-seat H1. The company says a driver’s licence and a light-sport student pilot certificate are enough to fly it. Doroni announced an FAA special airworthiness certificate in December 2023 for its two-seat H1. The company says a driver’s licence and a light-sport student pilot certificate are enough to fly it.
- Announcement
- December 2023
- Seats
- Two
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Two-seat electric design
- Simplified flight controls
Things to consider
- Range, speed and payload need primary data
Samson Switchblade
Flying sports car · Three-wheeled road-and-air designThe Switchblade was approved for registration as an experimental aircraft. Samson Sky claims about 200 mph maximum airspeed and a range near 450 miles. The Switchblade was approved for registration as an experimental aircraft. Samson Sky claims about 200 mph maximum airspeed and a range near 450 miles.
- Status
- Experimental aircraft
- Claimed airspeed
- About 200 mph
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Folding-wing road vehicle
- Hybrid drive
Things to consider
- Experimental status; buyers build 51 percent
Xpeng Aridge Land Aircraft Carrier
Modular two-part system · Modular car-plus-aircraft systemA ground vehicle carries a separate two-person eVTOL flying module. CAAC accepted the module’s type certificate application in March 2024, and large-scale deliveries are reported for 2027. A ground vehicle carries a separate two-person eVTOL flying module. CAAC accepted the module’s type certificate application in March 2024, and large-scale deliveries are reported for 2027.
- Type certificate application
- March 2024
- Format
- Car plus eVTOL module
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Factory aimed at 10,000 units a year
- Chinese regulator review under way
Things to consider
- Still lacks full certification
Terrafugia Transition
Roadable aircraft, historic · Pioneer, programme endedThe Transition folded its wings for road use and received a special light-sport airworthiness certificate in January 2021. Terrafugia then reportedly laid off most staff in February 2021. The Transition folded its wings for road use and received a special light-sport airworthiness certificate in January 2021. Terrafugia then reportedly laid off most staff in February 2021.
- Certificate
- January 2021, light-sport
- Wingspan
- About 27.5 ft
Strengths & things to consider
Strengths
- Folding-wing roadable concept
- Pioneering certification effort
Things to consider
- Programme appears to have ended
8 of the Coolest Real-Life Flying Cars: Analysis
Why the AirCar comes first
The AirCar combines a certificate of airworthiness with a documented intercity flight, which no other vehicle here pairs with a full car-to-aircraft conversion. The PAL-V comes closest on regulation, with road admission and 2026 production approval.
Certificates are not the same as customer deliveries
The Alef, ASKA and Doroni certificates are special airworthiness certificates for limited flying. Xpeng’s system targets large-scale deliveries in 2027, but it is still in certification. For other future designs, see the coolest concept cars.
Our verdict
Editorial verdict
The Klein Vision AirCar is the most convincing real flying car here, with the PAL-V Liberty close behind on regulation. The rest hold limited certificates or remain in certification, so treat delivery dates as company plans.
FAQ: 8 of the Coolest Real-Life Flying Cars
Which flying car is closest to being certified?
The Klein Vision AirCar holds a certificate of airworthiness, and PAL-V has road admission plus production approval but still needs aircraft type certification.
Can the Alef Model A carry passengers for hire?
No. Its FAA special airworthiness certificate allows uses such as exhibition and research, not transporting people or property for hire.
Is the Terrafugia Transition still being made?
Reports say Terrafugia laid off most of its staff in February 2021, so the programme appears to have ended.
When might Xpeng’s Land Aircraft Carrier be delivered?
Reports conflict, with some pointing to initial handovers by late 2026 and large-scale deliveries in 2027, but it still lacks full certification.
Do these flying cars need a pilot’s licence?
Generally yes. PAL-V requires a private pilot licence with a gyroplane rating, and Doroni says a light-sport student certificate suffices for the H1.
Sources & methodology
Editorial order by certification progress and documented testing. Entries are real vehicles that have driven or flown, and company claims for range, speed and delivery dates are flagged as claims. Several figures come from news coverage of company releases and may have changed.
Maintained by Artsiom Dusau, a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy
View sources (9)
- Klein Vision AirCar airworthiness certificate
- PAL-V story and certification
- PAL-V recognised as automotive manufacturer by RDW
- Alef FAA special airworthiness certificate
- ASKA A5 certification release
- Doroni FAA airworthiness announcement
- Samson Sky Switchblade
- Xpeng Aridge certification report
- Terrafugia Transition
