Senator Flynn Proposes a Bill Creating a Whole New Legal Category for Flying Cars

Lawmakers may soon have to decide what, exactly, to do with vehicles that insist on being both cars and aircraft… and Pennsylvania Senator Marty Flynn seems insistent on getting ahead of the game. He has reintroduced Senate Bill 1077, better known as the Jetsons Act, to formally regulate “roadable aircraft” under state law.

The proposal would amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to define a hybrid machine that drives on highways before taking to the air, all while remaining somehow manageable for inspection stations and law enforcement. The bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on November 5.

Under the Jetsons Act, so-called roadable aircraft would carry a unique registration plate, undergo standard state inspections, and follow the same motor vehicle rules when operated on public roads. Once airborne, they would fall under FAA authority like any other aircraft. The bill also limits takeoffs and landings to approved sites, except in emergencies, to prevent drivers from treating the interstate as a makeshift runway.

Flynn previously tried to push a similar legislation through during the last session, but was clearly not as successful as he wanted to be. He maintains that Pennsylvania should plan for technologies that are inching toward commercial viability, even if they are not exactly crowding dealerships. With technology far outpacing politics, Flynn argues that the state might as well avoid being left behind the curve, especially as states like Minnesota and New Hampshire finalize legislation of their own.

Though flying cars aren’t market-ready, they’re certainly past the science-fiction concept. Companies like Alef Aeronautics, Samson Sky, and CycloTech continue to test vehicles that either take off vertically or transform from car to aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration also seems to be getting on board, granting a special airworthiness certificate to Alef Aeronautics’ Model A prototype in 2023. This marked the first time a flying car received federal approval to be tested both on the road and in the air, allowing Alef to conduct research and development flights and drive testing.

FMI: www.senatorflynn.com