The Aska A5 flying car is ready to soar
California based startup Aska claims that their Aska A5 flying car has been granted the Certificate of Authorization and Special Airworthiness Certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company began running ground tests last year, and in the first quarter of this year, it began conducting driving tests on public roads.
“We’ve been working on the aircraft for more than five years,” Aska Chair, COO, and co-founder Maki Kaplinsky tells Robb Report. “We completed our first working prototype last December and have already started flight tests.”
Based in Palo Alto, Aska conducts their tests on several airfields in the San Francisco Bay area. For a matter of fact, the Aska A5 flying car has been driving around SF for several months. This four seater, which is identical in size of an SUV, is meant to be driven independently as a private or air taxi. Its dual hybrid energy system consists of a gas engine for range extension and batteries for charging during flight.
The eVTOL can fly at up to 150 mph thanks to its six separate motors. It can take off and land vertically as well as short takeoffs and landings on runways, and its maximum flight range is 150 miles. Maki has also stated that the A5 has been going through vertical takeoff and landing testing and will start flying in “transition and cruise mode”.
“Being the first electric flying car developer to be successfully conducting driving tests on local roads in California validates our efforts to develop an eVTOL that is roadable and with an emphasis on safety,” says Maki in a press release.
Aska has already gotten over 60 preorders. According to the company’s website, the Aska A5 flying car is “on target for 2026 commercialization, subject to certification approvals.”