6 replies
May 2022

system

It seems to me that powered lift is the right category for certification. What is confusing is that the FAA took so long to realize that. Special criteria will also be required as many of these systems seem to be oriented towards autonomous or semi-autonomous operation.

1 reply
May 2022

system

Clarification? If you want to terrify the FAA, just use the word battery and safety in the same sentence. People use electricity every day, but they are afraid of it and don’t really understand it. Burning fuel has its problems too but people don’t have an abhorrent fear of it. The best solution is using both. A backup is easy to understand. By using a gas powered system to generate electricity, it will satisfy the safety concerns, greatly extend flight time and keep investors happy.

May 2022

system

PR types do not communicate well.

May 2022

system

I’m curious how the FAA expects someone to get a commercial certificate for one of these when a 250 nm cross country leg is required, and Joby’s record flight length is 155 statute miles.

c.f: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-F#p-61.129(e)(4)(i)

I suppose we’ll have to rent a V22 for that requirement?

May 2022 ▶ system

system

That’s what I was thinking, and I was surprised that it wasn’t that category from the beginning.

May 2022

system

No pilots; no pilot certification requirements. Duh.
But good luck with those tilt-rotor rules.