FAA Declares Tesla's Flying Roadster Outside Its Jurisdiction

Key points

• The FAA stated the Tesla Roadster does not meet its definition of an aircraft, so it will not require airworthiness certification.
• Tesla demonstrated the vehicle at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas, showing it fly and perform aerial maneuvers.
• The Roadster is expected to enter production in 2028, with reservation deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
• The vehicle features cold-gas thrusters and underbody fans, allowing it to fly, drive upside down, and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds.
• Elon Musk described the Roadster as the last manually driven Tesla model.

Background

Tesla has delayed the next-generation Roadster for nearly a decade, missing multiple targeted delivery dates since 2017. The original Roadster, delivered from 2008 to 2012, used a Lotus Elise chassis and sold for roughly $100,000. The new model relies on SpaceX technology, including cold-gas thrusters, to enable flight and other capabilities.

How outlets are covering it

The FAA, as reported by Politico, stated the Tesla vehicle does not meet its definition of an aircraft, meaning it will not need to be certified as airworthy. The Washington Post's editorial board called the Roadster an extraordinary engineering feat but a vanity project with little practical value, noting no consumer will need a car with rocket thrusters. CNBC highlighted the long delays, noting Tesla missed every targeted delivery date since 2017, and that the Roadster is unlikely to have a material financial impact on the company.

Why it matters

The FAA's statement raises questions about how such vehicles will be regulated, as the agency does not consider the Roadster an aircraft. The long delays and high reservation deposits also raise questions about Tesla's ability to deliver on its promises and the practical value of such a vehicle.

What to watch

Tesla is expected to disclose specific pricing, details, and production targets for the Roadster. Production is targeted for 2028, and Tesla is scheduled to report third-quarter results after the bell on Wednesday.