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Elon Musk's flying Tesla is not approved for public roads, and US aviation regulators say it isn't an aircraft

A Tesla Roadster prototype, which the company first showed in 2017 after promising deliveries by 2020 — a launch that never came.
A Tesla Roadster prototype, which the company first showed in 2017 after promising deliveries by 2020 — a launch that never came.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the Roadster falls outside its definition of an aircraft, leaving no clear US regulator for the thruster-equipped car. Tesla's own website says the flying version is barred from public streets. Elon Musk showed it off on Thursday at SpaceX's McGregor test site in Texas, flipping over parked Teslas. He admitted it may not be legal everywhere.

Production is pencilled in for 2028, eight years after the original 2020 delivery target.

Tech blogger Marques Brownlee asked on X: 'This is a prank, right?'

Musk said the car was driven remotely 'to make sure we don't kill anyone'.

MoreThe GuardianElon Musk reveals ‘world’s first flying car’ at Tesla eventThe IndependentTesla’s flying car is here. Here’s all you need to know about the RoadsterThe SunElon Musk’s new car can FLY and climb walls – but are these vehicles really the future?The IndependentTesla’s new flying ‘Roadster’ car can’t actually drive on roadsCBS NewsTesla shows off new flying car conceptCBS NewsElon Musk unveils flying Tesla prototype to cheering Texas crowdNY PostElon Musk just gave us a great reminder that flying cars, not killer robots are the bright future aheadCBS NewsTesla unveils its flying carNewsweekElon Musk's Flying Tesla is the Perfect Ad for Trump's AmericaCBS NewsWe asked the DOT who would oversee a flying car like Tesla's Roadster. The answer isn't readily clear.APTesla’s new Roadster car can thrust itself in the air. But don’t expect to drive it anytime soonPoliticoFAA: Musk’s flying car not our responsibility
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