During a special event held in Texas on October 15, Tesla showcased the new Roadster sports car. Footage from the presentation demonstrated the vehicle driving up a curved ramp, performing a mid-air 180-degree flip, and landing on its four wheels.
The demonstration raised questions regarding regulatory oversight, specifically whether the vehicle falls under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Federal Aviation Administration when airborne.
The FAA stated that the Tesla Roadster does not meet its definition of an aircraft. Meanwhile, the NHTSA emphasized that the manufacturer must ensure the vehicle complies with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
A senior official from the Department of Transportation expressed skepticism about the car's ability to actually fly, noting that there is currently no clear consensus on which agency would regulate such a vehicle.
