Silicon Valley startup Kitty Hawk works toward flying car prototype

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (KGO) -- The future is here and it's airborne. A South Bay company has revealed its prototype for a flying car.

RELATED: Prototype flying car unveiled by Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk says it will be available by the end of the year.

The company ways the Kitty Hawk Flyer is safe, tested, and legal to operate. You don't even need a pilot's license.

"It really is an exciting area to be involved in from autonomous vehicles to these kinds of vehicles, absolutely," said Fred Barez, the head of the Aviation and Technology department at San Jose State University.

He says eventually people will be able to fly themselves to and from work in something like this. The personal flight delay will come from the state and the federal government.

"IYou're going to be dealing with DMV and FAA working together," Barez told ABC7 News. "So that's the issue you're going to be dealing with, so regulation is the issue but the technology is there."

Kitty Hawk says the flyer is for recreation only. It can be flown only in uncongested areas, like over a body of water.

Drivers of regular cars saw the test flight video.

"I think it's really cool," said Campbell resident James Lick. "I think we'll get there at some point like "Back to the Future Part II. If I could afford one, I'd probably buy one."

"It looks like fun, but I would worry about the safety issues," said Lynette Renteria of San Jose.

Barez says the flying car is basically a giant drone and the company's number one priority should be assuring the public that the aircraft is safe.

As for the price tag, that has yet to be revealed.

Click here for more information on Kitty Hawk.