Airworthiness, Performance Criteria Accepted By JCAB

SkyDrive announced it has been issued G-1 certification basis for its 3-seat eVTOL aircraft from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), a significant waypoint representing an agreement regarding the specific airworthiness and performance criteria required in the company’s path to type certification of the SKYDRIVE.

This agreement is founded on a 2022 agreement between JCAB and SkyDrive to use the JCAB Airworthiness Inspection Manual Part II is the basis for type certification. It defines the criteria for fixed-wing aircraft carrying up to 18 passengers with a takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds (8,618 kg) or less.

The version of the AIM Part II gives manufacturers more flexibility in choosing the methods used to demonstrate safety of the aircraft and permitting methods which are best suited to the aircraft’s characteristics.

Arnaud Coville, SkyDrive’s Chief Development Officer said, “We are pleased to announce that the JCAB has issued the G-1 certification basis that will apply to our first commercial eVTOL aircraft. We have reached this significant milestone through a series of respectful and collaborative discussions with the JCAB. The issuance of this certification basis represents the culmination of substantial efforts invested over several months.

“We are also thrilled with the recent progress achieved in our validation project with the FAA. Our prototype aircraft, which is currently undergoing an extensive series of flight tests, continues to accumulate valuable data as we make steady progress toward the upcoming demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo.

“As we pursue our certification roadmap and showcase the capabilities of our aircraft to the public, 2025 is set to become an important year for SkyDrive. We are delighted that the year is off to such a great start.”

The company also released photos of its SKYDRIVE eVTOL vehicle for the first time in public as it undergoes a flight test program.

FMI:  skydrive2020.com/