The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted specific airworthiness certificates to Mannequin A’s ‘Flying Automotive’, a pioneering innovation in the aviation industry.
Alef Aeronautics, a pioneering private air mobility company based in San Mateo, has made significant strides with the announcement of its “Model A” aircraft securing a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For the first time in its class, the Mannequin A has secured regulatory approval to fly, with certain “Particular” certificates restricting the aircraft’s areas and functions. At the press launch, Alef’s CEO, Jim Dukhovny, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We’re thrilled to have obtained this certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.” By facilitating more efficient travel arrangements, we empower people and businesses to reduce their ecological footprint and reclaim valuable time each week, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and productive future. “That’s one small step for aircraft, one giant leap for transportation.”
As a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, the Mannequin A, slated for production in 2025, represents a breakthrough in on-road performance, poised to revolutionize the premium air mobility sector with its unparalleled versatility. With a highway range spanning approximately 200 miles, plus an additional 110 miles within the air, the Mannequin A is both a road-legal, two-seat all-wheel drive vehicle and a fully fledged electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, boasting advanced stabilization and security capabilities.
Since emerging from stealth mode in late 2022, Alef has generated significant excitement around its innovative design, thanks in part to the support of influential investors such as Tim Draper, an early backer of both Tesla and Google. As of January, the Mannequin A can be obtained through preorders from both consumers and businesses at a value of $300,000, with Alef revealing it had sold 440 units, a significant portion of which went to an unidentified Hong Kong-based mobility company. As the aviation landscape continues to evolve, the FAA has been actively exploring and shaping the Superior Air Mobility space, highlighting the crucial role regulatory bodies play in this dynamic sector’s growth.
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As Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, Miriam McNabb is a leading authority on the drone services marketplace, with a keen eye on the evolution of the industry and its regulatory landscape. Miriam has authored more than 3,000 articles focusing on the business drone sector, solidifying her reputation as a globally recognized expert in the field, with a commanding presence as a sought-after speaker among industry professionals. With a degree from the University of Chicago, Miriam boasts over two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing for cutting-edge technologies.
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