Archer Aviation recently unveiled its Midnight production aircraft. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA issued new airworthiness criteria for Archer Aviation's "Midnight" air taxi, marking a significant regulatory step towards its planned late 2024 certification, shortly after the aircraft completed its first transition flight.
The FAA defines eVTOLs like Archer's Midnight as "powered-lift" vehicles, requiring specialized pilot ratings and combining safety standards from both rotorcraft and airplanes.
Other eVTOL developers are also making progress, with Joby Aviation advancing through FAA system reviews and AIR successfully completing the first hover-to-cruise flight of its AIR One vehicle.
The eVTOL aircraft recently made its first transition between vertical takeoff, powered-lift, and fully wingborne forward flight within 12 months after its first hovering flight, according to Archer.
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Jeremy attained his bachelor's in journalism and emerging media from Kennesaw State University. He also served in the Georgia Air National Guard as a C-130 Crew Chief for six years, holding an associate in aircraft maintenance technology.
