FAA Declines to Regulate Tesla Roadster Ahead of 2028 Production
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 16
FAA Declines to Regulate Tesla Roadster Ahead of 2028 Production
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 16
Summary
The FAA said Tesla’s flying Roadster does not meet the agency’s definition of an aircraft, so it would not need FAA airworthiness certification.
That stance followed Tesla videos released Thursday showing the electric sports car flying over a lineup of cars and trucks, raising immediate questions about who would regulate it.
Much about the SpaceX-assisted vehicle remains unclear, including the FAA’s broader view of jurisdiction over the airspace; the agency did not immediately answer a follow-up request.
Musk unveiled the thruster-equipped Roadster at a Texas demonstration and said it is expected to enter production in 2028 as Tesla’s only manually driven model.