Pennsylvania Reintroduces 'Jetsons Act' to Legalize Flying Cars — Establishes 'Roadable Aircraft' Category

Pennsylvania Reintroduces the "Jetsons Act" to Create a Legal Path for Flying Cars

State Sen. Marty Flynn (22nd District) has reintroduced Senate Bill 1077, nicknamed the Jetsons Act, during the 2025–2026 regular legislative session. The proposal would amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create a formal legal category for roadable aircraft — hybrid vehicles capable of operating both as motor vehicles on public roads and as aircraft in controlled flight.

Key provisions

• Definition: A roadable aircraft is defined as a vehicle that can both drive on streets and highways and fly as an aircraft.
• Registration and inspections: These vehicles would be required to register with the state, display a distinct registration plate and meet routine inspection standards when used on public roads.
• Operation rules: On roads, they would follow state traffic laws; in flight, they would remain subject to federal aviation rules and oversight.
• Takeoffs and landings: The bill permits takeoffs and landings only at designated or approved locations, except in emergencies, and clarifies how operators should transition safely between driving and flying.

The bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on Nov. 5, 2025. Flynn previously sponsored a similar measure that did not pass last session, but he argues that proactive state rules will allow Pennsylvania to adapt quickly if and when these vehicles reach commercial viability.

Industry and federal context

Several manufacturers are developing vehicles that combine ground and air capability. Companies such as Alef Aeronautics, Samson Sky and CycloTech are working on designs that either take off vertically or convert between car and small-aircraft configurations within minutes. At the federal level, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun allowing real-world testing: in 2023 the FAA issued a special airworthiness certificate to Alef Aeronautics for its Model A prototype, permitting combined road-and-flight testing for research and development — the first approval of its kind in the United States.

Some states, including Minnesota and New Hampshire, already recognize roadable aircraft under state law; Pennsylvania’s measure follows that emerging model by treating these vehicles as both motor vehicles and aircraft depending on how they are operated.

Potential impacts and considerations

Even if flying cars remain years from everyday use, the bill could shape infrastructure and regulation: local zoning and land-use rules, airspace management, and infrastructure planning could be affected. Communities might plan for vertiports or designated landing pads, while insurance companies, safety regulators and law enforcement would need to update policies and training for this hybrid class of transportation.

Proponents say state-level action signals a willingness to lead on innovation rather than wait for federal legislation, while balancing encouragement for new technologies with public-safety protections. The bill’s progress in committee will determine whether Pennsylvania formally adopts rules for roadable aircraft and whether the state positions itself as a testing ground for advanced air mobility projects.