What Safety Features Should eVTOL Vertiports Include?

The FAA solicits public comment on a draft document detailing requirements for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vertiports.

Thom Patterson

Thursday, March 03, 2022 at 02:46 PM ET

Verified

The FAA is proposing warning signs such as this one be required at vertiports [Courtesy: FAA]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is soliciting feedback on a draft document outlining safety and design requirements for vertiports, the infrastructure needed for upcoming electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis.
The draft addresses critical safety concerns such as passenger security (TSA screening), fire protection specific to eVTOL aircraft and charging systems, and design considerations based on common eVTOL aircraft characteristics.
Vertiports are anticipated at existing airports, potentially modifying heliports, and will require non-discriminatory access, reflecting the early development phase of the eVTOL industry aiming for service by 2024.

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The FAA wants to know: What safety and design features should be required at U.S. vertiports servicing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis?

The agency essentially posed the question to airport owners and operators on Twitter on Tuesday in the form of an FAA draft document that takes a deep dive into various design and safety factors surrounding this emerging new form of transportation.