Agricultural eVTOL Makes First Crewed Flight

Ryse Aero says its ultralight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft won’t require a pilot certificate.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 03:14 PM ET

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Ohio-based Ryse Aero Tech recently conducted the first crewed flight test of its Recon ultralight electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed for agricultural and rural use. [Courtesy: Ryse Aero Tech]

Key Takeaways:

Ryse Aero Tech successfully conducted the first crewed flight of its Recon eVTOL, an ultralight electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle designed for agricultural and rural use.
The Recon weighs under 300 pounds, classifying it as a powered ultralight that does not require a pilot certificate to operate, and is designed to be as easy to fly as an all-terrain vehicle.
This single-seat aircraft can reach a maximum altitude of 700 feet and a cruising speed of up to 40 mph, controlled by a joystick and tablet.
Ryse Aero Tech is on track to begin deliveries of the Recon by mid-2023, making accessible flight a reality for farmers and ranchers without a pilot's license.

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By this time next year, farmers and ranchers could be up in the sky, getting a bird’s-eye view of their crops and grazing livestock. What won’t be required before they lift off the ground, however, is a pilot certificate.

That’s according to Ohio-based Ryse Aero Tech, which recently conducted the first crewed flight of its Recon ultralight electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) designed for agricultural and rural use.