From Politico · · 40s
FAA: Musk’s flying car not our responsibility
FAA says Tesla Roadster doesn’t meet aircraft definition.
In brief
FAA says Tesla Roadster doesn’t meet aircraft definition. The FAA states the Tesla Roadster does not qualify as an aircraft under its regulations. Originally reported by Politico.
FAA statement
The FAA said the Tesla Roadster does not meet its definition of an aircraft.
“The Tesla vehicle does not meet the FAA’s definition of an aircraft”
Tesla demonstration
Tesla showed a flying Roadster during a Texas demonstration on Oct. 15, 2026.
Regulatory uncertainty
The FAA would not certify the vehicle as airworthy, leaving regulatory questions open.
Production timeline
Tesla expects to start production of the Roadster in 2028.
Musk’s vision
Elon Musk plans for the Roadster to be Tesla’s only manually driven vehicle by 2028.
Here's the gist
The FAA states the Tesla Roadster does not qualify as an aircraft under its regulations.
