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FAA Says Tesla “Flying” Roadster Isn’t an Aircraft

By Drooid · Oct 16, 2026, 10:51 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Elon Musk unveils Roadster

Elon Musk unveiled a “flying” Roadster that drove a ramp and landed on its wheels at SpaceX’s Texas site.
The vehicle uses ten nozzles and ultra-high-pressure air tanks to propel, hover.
Production is slated for 2028; reservations require a $5,000 deposit for the non-flying model.
A senior U.S. DOT official expressed doubt about the car’s take-off ability.
The FAA said the Tesla vehicle does not meet definition of an aircraft.

Summary

Tesla shares surge

Tesla shares jumped nearly 5% premarket and closed up 1.5% at $368.19.
Elon Musk's net worth fell to $917.5 billion, a $7.3 billion drop after the reveal.
The Roadster reservation page lists a $50,000 Performance model and a $250,000 Thrust model.
Founder Lawrence O'Connor described his $250,000 reservation as an “interest-free loan” to Tesla.
Sam Altman mocked the delays, secured a refund, and later sued Musk over OpenAI governance.

Summary

Tesla debuts active aero

Tesla’s Roadster uses a ground-effect fan system that can hold the car upside-down.
All steering, brake and throttle inputs are transmitted electronically via by-wire controls.
Spool-valve dampers lower the chassis 1.6 inches and triple suspension stiffness for track use.
Active aero includes deployable underskirts, rear fans and movable grilles that switch between low-drag and high-downforce modes.
Carbon-ceramic brakes can be actuated independently at each wheel for precise track performance.

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Elon Musk unveils Roadster

Elon Musk unveiled a “flying” Roadster that drove a ramp and landed on its wheels at SpaceX’s Texas site.
The vehicle uses ten nozzles and ultra-high-pressure air tanks to propel, hover.
Production is slated for 2028; reservations require a $5,000 deposit for the non-flying model.
A senior U.S. DOT official expressed doubt about the car’s take-off ability.
The FAA said the Tesla vehicle does not meet definition of an aircraft.

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