Photo: SkyFly
Although not as famous as the Swedish Jetson One, this personal eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) from the UK is equally tempting. The Axe eVTOL is a two-seater that promises to save people from the inferno of traffic jams and to save the planet with green operations. More than that, it's now part of a real revolution in terms of regulations meant to accommodate new generations of electric aircraft.
We're witnessing one of the most pivotal periods in aviation history. Official regulators are making drastic changes in response to the emerging AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) sector. As part of that, the FAA (the Federal Aviation Administration) is modifying its certification requirements for LSA (Light Sports Aircraft).
Until now, only single-engine aircraft could fit in this category. With the new regulations, aircraft with any number (as well as any type) of powerplants will be able to classify as LSA – a modification directly aimed at all-electric alternatives.
Why is it essential for eVTOLs to be certified as LSA? It's because it makes it much easier for people to fly them, increasing overall access to cleaner transportation alternatives. You only need a Sport Pilot Certificate (SPC) to fly a LSA, which takes less time and is much cheaper than the standard Private Pilot License (PPL).
It also means that those who already have an SPC will be able to start flying their new LSA right away without having to upgrade to a PPL.
Axe is one of the eVTOLs that will greatly benefit from these upcoming modifications. The UK-based SkyFly specifically designed Axe as a kit aircraft intended for personal use, not as an air taxi. This lightweight two-seater can be "parked" outside your home and land anywhere without special infrastructure.
However, Axe didn't previously classify as an LSA because it featured eight electric motors. With these modifications, SkyFly expects to obtain the FAA certification for its Axe eVTOL as an LSA, meaning that more customers will have access to it.
This two-seater combines a four-wing configuration for aerodynamic lift with fixed 45-degree angle rotors, enabling it to fly like an airplane. This innovative design claims to offer increased range compared to rotor-only eVTOLs, to improve safety (by optimizing gliding capabilities), and to support a class-leading 30-50 kW energy use in cruise.
The British manufacturer says that Axe is as easy to operate as a consumer camera drone. By officially classifying it as an LSA, anyone with a sports pilot license will be able to fly the Axe eVTOL for everyday commuting.
SkyFly is currently building the first Axe aircraft, with manned test flights due to begin in December this year. The personal eVTOL is already available for pre-order, with pricing starting at $180,000 and deliveries set to start by the end of 2024.
Until now, only single-engine aircraft could fit in this category. With the new regulations, aircraft with any number (as well as any type) of powerplants will be able to classify as LSA – a modification directly aimed at all-electric alternatives.
Why is it essential for eVTOLs to be certified as LSA? It's because it makes it much easier for people to fly them, increasing overall access to cleaner transportation alternatives. You only need a Sport Pilot Certificate (SPC) to fly a LSA, which takes less time and is much cheaper than the standard Private Pilot License (PPL).
It also means that those who already have an SPC will be able to start flying their new LSA right away without having to upgrade to a PPL.
Axe is one of the eVTOLs that will greatly benefit from these upcoming modifications. The UK-based SkyFly specifically designed Axe as a kit aircraft intended for personal use, not as an air taxi. This lightweight two-seater can be "parked" outside your home and land anywhere without special infrastructure.
However, Axe didn't previously classify as an LSA because it featured eight electric motors. With these modifications, SkyFly expects to obtain the FAA certification for its Axe eVTOL as an LSA, meaning that more customers will have access to it.
This two-seater combines a four-wing configuration for aerodynamic lift with fixed 45-degree angle rotors, enabling it to fly like an airplane. This innovative design claims to offer increased range compared to rotor-only eVTOLs, to improve safety (by optimizing gliding capabilities), and to support a class-leading 30-50 kW energy use in cruise.
The British manufacturer says that Axe is as easy to operate as a consumer camera drone. By officially classifying it as an LSA, anyone with a sports pilot license will be able to fly the Axe eVTOL for everyday commuting.
SkyFly is currently building the first Axe aircraft, with manned test flights due to begin in December this year. The personal eVTOL is already available for pre-order, with pricing starting at $180,000 and deliveries set to start by the end of 2024.
Google News