# FAA: Musk’s flying car not our responsibility

> FAA says Tesla Roadster doesn’t meet aircraft definition.
- Title: FAA: Musk’s flying car not our responsibility · Politico
- Summary: FAA says Tesla Roadster doesn’t meet aircraft definition. The FAA states the Tesla Roadster does not qualify as an aircraft under its regulations.
- Keywords: faa, elon musk, tesla, space x, roadster, flying car, aircraft regulation, business, finance, Musk, flying, car
- Source: Politico — https://politico.com/news/2026/10/16/faa-tesla-flying-car-01123316
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: faa, elon musk, tesla, space x, roadster, flying car, aircraft regulation, business, finance
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The FAA states the Tesla Roadster does not qualify as an aircraft under its regulations.