FutureFlight Newsletter: July 14, 2022 | Aviation International News

Bristow Commits to Ordering 100 Chaparral VTOL Freighters from Elroy Air

Houston-based civil helicopter operator Bristow Helicopters has signed a letter of intent with San Francisco’s Elroy Air to preorder 100 units of the autonomous aircraft, which is built for transporting freight. Elroy aims to transform air cargo services with this one-of-a-kind vehicle, which not only flies autonomously but can also drop off and pick up cargo robotically in a matter of minutes.

Dutch Regulators Stop VoltAero's Plans for Hybrid-Electric Cassio Test Flights

VoltAero says Dutch regulators have refused to accept the existing clearance from French authorities for its Cassio 1 hybrid-electric aircraft to be used for test flights. The company says that has forced it to postpone plans to fly the aircraft in the Netherlands. It says aviation safety agencies ought to apply rules governing test flights consistently.

Hydrogen Flight Crash Report Highlights Faults in ZeroAvia's Test Process

The UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch has issued its final report on the April 2021 crash of a Piper aircraft being used by ZeroAvia to test its hydrogen propulsion system. The company is expected to start flight tests with a larger Dornier 228 aircraft later this week.

Air One Personal eVTOL Aircraft Achieves First Hover Test

Israel-based startup Air has successfully flown the first hover tests of its new Air One all-electric flying car. The two-seater is expected to offer a range of up to around 110 miles, with preorders now being taken at a base price of $150,000.

AeroDelft Student Team Flies First Prototype of ‘Phoenix’ Hydrogen-powered Aircraft

The battery-powered prototype aced its initial test flight on June 14, and the full-size model just made its first appearance at Breda International Airport in the Netherlands.

Toray Will Provide Advanced Composites for Overair's Butterfly eVTOL Prototype

Overair has selected Toray Composite Materials America to supply advanced materials for its Butterfly electric air taxi prototype, which will demonstrate the California company’s patented optimum speed propulsion system.

Bye Aerospace’s eFlyer 2 Makes Progress Toward FAA Approval

Bye Aerospace is nearing the completion of FAA approval for its means of compliance and certification plans for the first of its eFlyer electric aircraft. The company says this puts it on track to have the first all-electric, fixed-wing aircraft to be certified under the FAA’s Part 23 Amendment 64 regulations.

On the Radar

Australian Aviation Regulator Issues Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap

Australia's RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) this week outlined its plans for regulating new advanced air mobility (AAM) flight operations, including remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Companies pioneering the development of these services, including ground infrastructure group Skyportz, welcomed the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.

The 16-page document outlines the approach CASA plans to take to introduce RPAS and AAM regulations over the next 10 to 15 years, breaking down a four-phase timeline for action running from this year through 2036. It covers the following regulatory topics: aircraft; airspace and traffic management; operations, infrastructure, people; and safety and security.

According to Skyportz CEO Clem Newtown-Brown, Australian regulators have shown clear support for the new mode of air transportation, as evidenced by Google’s decision to launch its Wing delivery drone services in the country. He also pointed to the government’s recent award of a A$32.6 ($22.5 million) grant to support companies developing “new and emerging aviation technologies.” His company is working to establish hundreds of vertiports across Australia.

Air One Personal eVTOL Aircraft Makes First Flight

The Air One two-seat eVTOL aircraft has become the latest personal air vehicle, or flying car, to start flight testing. Israel-based start-up Air this week released a video showing initial hover flights from Meddigo in the north of the country. The company is already taking preorders for the $150,000 vehicle, which is expected to provide a range of 110 miles when deliveries start in 2024.

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Featured Program

Cora

The Cora is a two-seat eVTOL aircraft being developed by Wisk, a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk.

Featured Person

Joe Massaquoi

Hydrogen-powered airship developer H2 Clipper appointed Joe Massaquoi as its CFO in July 2022 to lead its efforts to raise further capital. After spending almost nine years with Boeing, where he assisted in its investment in Kitty Hawk, he served as CFO for Boom Supersonic, and he is currently a member of the advisory board for electric fixed-wing aircraft company Bye Aerospace. Earlier in his career, Massaquoi worked in investment banking with institutions including Lehman Brothers, Deutsche Bank, and Credit Suisse. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree in physics from Morehouse College.

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 23 - 24, 2022 / Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA

The Vertical Flight Society is holding its 16th annual Electric Aircraft Symposium in Oshkosh during the weekend before the Experimental Aircraft Association's legendary AirVenture show. The meeting will feature expert speakers involved in new aircraft developments, and specialists in propulsion technology, energy sources, certification, and new business models and market opportunities.