Helicopters Magazine

Features eVTOL
Archer earns Special Airworthiness Certificate for Maker eVTOL

December 9, 2021  By Helicopters Staff


Special Airworthiness Certificate signals Maker has met all FAA safety requirements to begin off-ground operations. (Photo: Archer Aviation)

Archer Aviation Inc. received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration covering its Maker demonstrator aircraft. This allows the Palo Alto, California, company to begin off ground, hover flight testing of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Archer explains this Special Airworthiness Certificate keeps it on schedule to conduct its first hover flight test later this year. It also represents a major step toward the company’s mission to launch its first commercial eVTOL flights in 2024.

This latest milestone follows Archer receiving its FAA G-1 Issue Paper: Certification Basis (“G-1 Certification Basis”) in September 2021.

The FAA’s inspection of Archer’s Maker aircraft was held at the company’s Palo Alto flight test facility, where Maker is undergoing final preparations for its first flight, as well as extensive safety testing.

Advertisement

“Earning our Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA marks a significant moment for our company as we take another leap ahead toward our goal of bringing eVTOL travel to the world,” said Brett Adcock, Archer co-founder and co-CEO.

“We’re glad to share a commitment with the FAA to create urgently-needed air transportation solutions,” said Brett Adcock, Archer co-founder and co-CEO, a role shared with Adam Goldstein. “We’re grateful to have developed a strong relationship with their Center for Emerging Concepts & Innovation as we continue to work to ensure our eVTOL aircraft adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance.”

Advertisement

Stories continue below