Engineering Challenges Facing New VTOL Aircraft
FAA Floats Certification Path for AW609 Tiltrotor
The eVTOL startups are dreading the prospect of being held to the same stringent standard for certification as the 609. “It appears the FAA intends to certify the AW609 as a special class aircraft under FAR 21.17 (b) and before issuing formal powered-lift airworthiness standards, the latter widely anticipated in 2024 and that will largely impact eVTOL aircraft. Ahead of that, the FAA is announcing applicable regulations and other airworthiness criteria developed specifically for the AW609 that include applicable parts of certification standards for both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft under FAR Parts 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35.
According to the FAA, “The proposed certification basis incorporates by reference existing transport category airplane and rotorcraft standards, one normal category airplane standard, Category A rotorcraft standards, optional Category B rotorcraft standards, and criteria for operation under instrument flight rules.”
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...w609-tiltrotor
According to the FAA, “The proposed certification basis incorporates by reference existing transport category airplane and rotorcraft standards, one normal category airplane standard, Category A rotorcraft standards, optional Category B rotorcraft standards, and criteria for operation under instrument flight rules.”
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...w609-tiltrotor
