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

Enjoyed this recent video on the technical back room at Joby aviation,
Motors, batteries, software validation .. a lot of technology rich motivation.
Very much the Hill Helicopter spirit and philosophy on steroid.

But will it scale up? That is a single pilot toy for a rich person at present. (And yes, I want one! :})

FYI: There will be various powered-lift aircraft certification catagories based on various requirements. So an eVTOL will not be certified under the same rules as a tilt-rotor.

The issue was the FAA planned to certify powered-lift under the existing Part 23 rules whereas EASA planned to create a new certification rule. The FAA finally realized their "error" and 2 years ago elected to create a new route similar to EASA.

The FAA special class process as been around for years and is a catch all for new aircraft certification that does not completely fit into an existing FAR. For example, the Bell 525 has a special class for its FBW system.

Regardless, with this new commonality between FAA/EASA eVTOL cert rules there are several recently release guidance documents that show eVTOLs will have their own specific requirements to meet. But from what I've seen I dont expect any formal FAA/EASA eVTOL full certifications until 2028. Interesting times ahead.

Can you describe this in more detail, are you speaking about the use of “Special Conditions”? That is different in FAA-speak from “Classes”. so I’m not following your reference to the 525 which has special conditions but no special class that I’m aware of.

I think you may be mixing words or topics, but want to understand your intent.

Nothing to follow. The 525 falls under Part 21.17(a) special conditons and the eVTOL ceritification falls under Part 21.17(b) special classes. My bad on the use of "classes" for the 525.

VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) technology allows aircraft to take off, hover, and land vertically, eliminating the need for runways. It's used in helicopters, drones, and new urban air vehicles. This technology is useful in tight spaces like cities and remote areas. With advancements, electric VTOL aircraft are becoming more efficient and environmentally friendly, offering new possibilities for urban transportation.

That’s amazing. Did AI tell you that?