EASA and FAA Set to Tackle eVTOL Certification at Safety Conference
The upcoming International Aviation Safety conference, jointly organized by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is poised to address critical issues surrounding the certification of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Set against the backdrop of the EBACE show, industry leaders gathered to discuss advanced air mobility, shedding light on the regulatory landscape and the challenges ahead.
Billy Nolen, Chief Safety Officer at Archer, expressed confidence that EASA would validate the FAA’s type certificates for eVTOL aircraft, despite differences in certification approaches. Nolen emphasized the need for a regulatory framework that accommodates technological advancements without compromising safety—a sentiment echoed by many in the industry.
Archer, a key player in the eVTOL space, anticipates completing type certification for its Midnight vehicle by 2025, pending the release of operational requirements by the FAA. Nolen highlighted the FAA’s commitment to supporting eVTOL commercial operations, bolstered by the recently confirmed Reauthorization Act, which allocates additional funding for regulatory efforts.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, provided insights into the company’s ambitious plans, aiming to achieve operating costs conducive to ticket prices as low as €2 per passenger per kilometer. With EASA certification targeted for 2025, Lilium aims to commence deliveries of its Pioneer Edition aircraft to business aviation customers in 2026, followed by the standard model in 2027. Roewe also discussed the potential of improved battery technology to extend eVTOL flight ranges, envisioning future aircraft capable of carrying up to 100 passengers.
The joint EASA/FAA conference, scheduled for June 11 to 13, holds promise for closer regulatory alignment on both sides of the Atlantic. With key industry figures in attendance, including EASA’s newly appointed executive director Florian Guillermet and the FAA’s Mike Whitaker, the conference aims to facilitate collaboration and streamline the type certification processes for eVTOL aircraft.
As the eVTOL sector continues to evolve rapidly, regulatory harmonization and proactive safety measures are essential to realize the full potential of this innovative mode of transportation. Stay tuned for updates from the International Aviation Safety conference as stakeholders work towards ensuring the safety and efficiency of eVTOL operations in the global airspace.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ainonline.com