ASKA A5 Drive-and-Fly eVTOL Obtains FAA Special Airworthiness Certification

The ASKA A5 is the world's first flying car to start the type certification process with the FAA. The Silicon Valley air mobility company's prototype was awarded Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Special Airworthiness Certification by the FAA and has started flight testing.

Since 2022 ASKA has performed successful ground testing and in Q1/2023 began conducting on-street driving tests. This Special Airworthiness Certificate signals that ASKA A5 has successfully met all FAA safety requirements.

ASKA is working closely with the FAA on type certification. Type certification signifies the design is in compliance with applicable airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards.

Guy Kaplinsky

G-1 basis is a critical milestone in the FAA cross-validation process, establishing airworthiness and environmental requirements necessary to achieve FAA Type Certification Validation.

The size of an SUV,  the four-seater ASKA A5 is a drive & fly eVTOL that can travel by road and air. The vehicle is designed for the highest level of safety, a key factor that has enabled the company to make positive progress with the FAA toward type certification.

1. Dual hybrid energy supply: ASKA is hybrid with batteries and a range extender engine that charges the batteries
           in-flight. Uses premium gasoline available from today's gas stations
2. Large Aerodynamic wings, optimized for safe landing with ability to glide
3. Six independent motor systems for flight
4. Sufficient reserve flight time to meet FAA safety requirement
5. Ballistic parachute
6. 4 seater (1 pilot and 3 passengers)
7. Capable of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) from helipads and Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) from runways
8. Max flight range 250 miles
9. Airspeed up to 150 mph

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ASKA A5 is not only capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) from a helipad or vertiport, it can enter an airfield by driving through the airport gate, open the wings, taxi towards a helipad or runway, then take off. The vehicle can also perform an energy-efficient short takeoff from the runway using the in-wheel motors and thrust from the props.

ASKA A5 makes the maximum use of existing infrastructure, such as parking, charging stations, airfields, helipads and runways, for a seamless integration into city and suburban landscapes. The vehicle fits in standard parking spaces, it can be charged at home and EV charging stations, and the range extender engine runs on premium gasoline purchased at existing automotive gas stations.

Pre-order reservations launched in 2021 and the company has already secured $50M in pre-orders.

Source: Press Release