Tired of Arizona Traffic? Flying to Work May Be Next 

By Kylie Cochrane.

Flying cars, once viewed as science fiction, may soon become a reality in Arizona. With a history of pioneering transportation technology, the state is positioning itself to lead the nation once again. However, practical and legal challenges remain on the horizon.

Arizona’s Role in Advancing Transportation 

Thanks to its favorable climate and infrastructure, Arizona has emerged as a leader in autonomous vehicle development. One such program, Waymo, the world’s largest fully autonomous ride-hailing service, has been immensely successful. It operates across 315 square miles of the Phoenix metropolitan area—without a human driver. Building on this momentum, NASA has identified the Phoenix-Mesa area as one of the most promising locations for the next transportation revolution: advanced air mobility (“AAM”). 

This cutting-edge transportation method, which utilizes electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) technology, has the potential to ease congestion, lower carbon emissions, and expand mobility options for people with disabilities. With business-friendly regulations and ideal  weather conditions, Arizona is well-positioned to be an early adopter of this emerging technology.

Executive Actions to Propel Air Mobility 

In November 2024, Governor Katie Hobbs updated the state’s strategic framework to strengthen Arizona’s leadership in emerging technologies. A key initiative of this plan is to expand the 

Arizona Commerce Authority to facilitate AAM development. The national air mobility market is projected to reach a $115 billion valuation by 2035, with the Arizona State Legislature’s Urban Air Mobility Study Committee estimating that 280,000 jobs will be created  nationwide within the new time frame. 

To prepare for this next era of travel, the Arizona Commerce Authority’s “Institute of Automated Mobility” is being reimagined as the “Institute for Advanced Mobility.” This transformation will allow the state to better evaluate aeronautical innovations such as VTOL aircraft, air taxis, and other near-commercialization technologies.

The Legislative Landscape 

Policymakers have also explored legislative solutions to accommodate new forms of air travel. In 2024, Mesa Republican Senator David Farnsworth proposed legislation to streamline the licensing process for a different type of flying car known as a “roadable aircraft.” Among the companies pioneering this technology is Samson Sky, which has developed the Switchblade—a two-seater, three-wheeled vehicle with foldable wings that transitions seamlessly between road and air travel. Check out its first flight here.

The Switchblade’s wings and tail deploy in under three minutes, and its hybrid engine runs on standard 91-octane gasoline. The aircraft is expected to fly at altitudes of up to 13,000 feet, with a range of 500 miles, making it suitable for some interstate travel, such as trips from Arizona to California.  It is anticipated to reach cruising speeds of 160 mph in the air, while also hitting up to 130 mph on the road. Priced at $170,000, it rivals luxury cars, but is currently only available for pre-order, with production set to begin this year.

Under the initial legislative proposal, these three-wheeled vehicles would be registered as motorcycles but would not require a motorcycle license or helmet due to their enclosed cabins. However, the bill died in chamber. With a new legislative session approaching, there is an opportunity for renewed consideration.

Navigating Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Before Arizonans can take to the skies, significant regulatory hurdles must be addressed. First, Samson Sky’s vehicles are currently classified as “experimental” aircrafts by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), meaning buyers must assemble at least 51% of the aircraft themselves. While this designation allows manufacturers to bypass the costly and time-intensive FAA certification process, it raises safety concerns, as it requires non-professionals to build these aircrafts. 

Additionally, current regulations mandate that roadable aircraft must take off and land at designated airports, which restricts their practicality for everyday travel. While the Switchblade and similar models mark an exciting step forward, industry experts believe the true future of air mobility lies in eVTOL aircrafts.

In October 2024, the FAA established a landmark rule approving a new classification for the “powered lift aircraft”—the first new aircraft category introduced in nearly 80 years. This allows eVTOL aircrafts to operate without requiring runways, meaning pilots will no longer need to drive to an airport before taking off. The goal is for these aircrafts to function as airborne taxis, similar to modern services like Uber and Waymo. Unlike experimental aircrafts, these eVTOL aircrafts will require full FAA certification. Plus the agency must develop regulations to manage air traffic and designated flight corridors.

For now, the future of flying cars is still up in the air—but Arizona is getting ready for take-off.