ASKA A5 drive & fly eVTOL advances FAA type certification process

ASKA A5 is world 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 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. 

Guy Kaplinsky, ASKA CEO/Cofounder, commented: “We have achieved a series of technological milestones; debuting the first full-scale working prototype of the ASKA A5 in January at CES, successfully performing field and driving tests, and obtaining the COA and Special Airworthiness Certification for our pre-production prototype. The data we are harvesting from flight testing is enabling us to make progress towards our type certification. We already completed the initial phase and are progressing towards our next milestone, G1 status.” 

Maki Kaplinsky, ASKA CoFounder/Chair & COO, said: "The airworthiness certification validates our efforts to develop a drive & fly eVTOL with an emphasis on safety. One of the significant advantages of a roadworthy eVTOL, like the ASKA™ A5, is that it does not require the modification or electrification of existing airports since it can maximize the use of today’s infrastructure, such as the many charging stations located around us. We are working with local airports in the Bay Area to test and confirm our concept of operations - they open the gate, ASKA™ A5 drives in as a car, drives/taxis to the helipad or runway, transforms into the flight mode and can take off.” 

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. 
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
Large Aerodynamic wings, optimized for safe landing with ability to glide 
Six independent motor systems for flight
Sufficient reserve flight time to meet FAA safety requirement
Ballistic parachute
4 seater (1 pilot and 3 passengers)
Capable of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) from helipads and Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) from runways  
Max flight range 250 miles
Airspeed up to 150mph

ASKA A5 is not only capable of 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.