eVTOL Certification Uncertain As FAA Diverts From Part23

Gleaned from the headlines of ‘The Air Current’ is that news broke on that the electric Vertical TakeOff and Landing (eVTOL) startups have gotten the attention of the FAA, but in a good way.

Recognizing the importance of keeping abreast of the technological developments in the industry, the FAA is reconsidering its approach to the certification of eVTOLs.

On 16 December 2016, the FAA published the final rule representing an overhaul of airworthiness standards for GA airplanes, specifically in an attempt to enable faster adoption of “innovative safety-enhancing technologies into small airplanes, while reducing costs for the aviation industry.”

These new Part 23 standards were directed at less-than or equal to 19/19 airplanes (19,000lbs, and 19 passengers), and integrating consensus-based compliance (for designs and technologies). Also included were provisions for loss of control (LOC) and in-flight icing conditions.

eVTOL developers and manufacturers previously operated under a wing and a prayer in the hopes that their offerings would be certified under this (new ‘since 2016) rule, particularly since it was developed with partnership with industry representatives at the table.

Apparently, the new Acting Administrator of the FAA is engaging reverse thrusters, and as such causes great consternation for industry hopefuls looking to make their Jetsons puddle-jumpers and training aircraft a reality. It was hoped that this new framework translated into an agile aircraft certification process that is in step with innovation.

Until we hear otherwise, hold the phone!

FMI: https://theaircurrent.com, https://faa.gov