is there any car that can fly

[OliveDella]

Yes, there are cars that can fly, but they are not the typical vehicle you can buy at a dealership today. True flying cars, more accurately known as roadable aircraft or electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, are currently in advanced development and testing phases. For the average American, a flying car is not a practical or accessible form of transportation in 2024. The most realistic contenders are from companies like Alef Aeronautics, which has received FAA approval for testing, and Joby Aviation, which is focusing on air taxi services. These vehicles are designed for short urban flights to bypass traffic, not for cross-country road trips.

The primary hurdles are significant. Regulatory approval from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for flight and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for road use is a complex, multi-year process. Cost is another major barrier; early models are expected to be prohibitively expensive, comparable to high-end luxury cars or private aircraft. Furthermore, operating a flying car would likely require a pilot's license, Adding another layer of complexity and expense for the owner.

Here’s a look at some of the leading contenders and their status:

Company/Model	Type	Key Feature	Current Status (as of 2024)	Estimated Cost (USD)
Alef Model A	eVTOL / Road Legal	Can drive on roads like a car and fly forward	FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate granted. Pre-orders open.	~$300,000
Joby Aviation S4	eVTOL Air Taxi	Designed for quiet, urban air taxi service	In FAA certification process. Partnerships with Toyota and Delta.	Not for sale to public
ASKA A5	eVTOL / Roadable	Drive-to-fly concept; requires a runway for takeoff	FAA approval for flight testing underway. Pre-orders available.	~$789,000
PAL-V Liberty	Gyrocopter / Roadable	A three-wheeled car that converts into a gyrocopter	Fully certified for road use in Europe; flight certification ongoing.	~$400,000
Terrafugia Transition	Roadable Aircraft	Foldable-wing aircraft that can drive on roads	Development has been slow; regulatory hurdles remain.	Previously ~$400,000

In essence, the technology is moving from science fiction to reality, but widespread adoption is still many years away. For now, the concept remains a fascinating glimpse into a potential future of urban mobility.

[MacSilas]

I've been following this for years. The short answer is: kind of, but don't expect to see one in your neighbor's driveway. Companies like Alef and Joby are the real deal, but they're solving the "fly" part first, mostly as air taxis. Making it a practical "car" you can park at the grocery store is the way bigger challenge. The tech is almost there, but the government rules, the cost, and the need for a pilot's license make it a rich person's toy for the foreseeable future.

[BellaRose]

As a commuter stuck in daily traffic, the idea is a dream. The real value isn't a cross-country flying car; it's a vehicle that can lift straight up from my driveway, fly over a traffic jam, and land near my office. That's what eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) companies are targeting. The progress is exciting, but I think we'll see them as ride-sharing services long before we can own one. It's more about getting a "flying Uber" than buying a flying family sedan.

[LaZane]

From an investment and urban planning perspective, the question is shifting from "if" to "when and how." The focus is on infrastructure: where will these vehicles take off and land? The business models are leaning towards commercial operations first, not private ownership, due to the immense regulatory and insurance costs. The successful companies will be those that partner with cities to integrate air mobility into existing transit systems, rather than just selling a fancy product to consumers.