SkyDrive Makes Regulatory Progress

Akihabara News (Tokyo) — eVTOL-maker SkyDrive has reported important progress with Japanese regulators on the path toward launching its forthcoming SkyDrive SD-05 two-seater into commercial operations.

Specifically, it has been agreed with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to base the “type certification” for the company’s eVTOL on the Airworthiness Inspection Manual Part II.

Effectively, this means that the fundamental rulebook for the government to approve an eVTOL to operate in Japan has now been set.

Airworthiness Inspection Manual Part II defines the necessary capabilities of fixed-wing aircraft that carry up to nineteen passengers and have a takeoff weight of 8,600 kilograms or less. The latest revision of this manual allows flexibility in the shape of the air frame and the aircraft system. It also establishes standards for testing strength, structure, and performance to validate the safety of the aircraft and its components.

SkyDrive Chief Technology Officer Nobuo Kishi stated, “The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau accepted our application for type certification in October 2021. Since then, we have held a series of discussions with the authorities regarding ways to develop and design safe aircraft and the means for testing them. We are very pleased that we have moved a step closer to obtaining a type certificate.”

He added, “We are determined to move ahead with the launch of a flying car business and to ultimately make air mobility a reality for society.”

SkyDrive aims to gain full regulatory approval for its forthcoming two-seater eVTOL by early 2025, before the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.

The company notes that the next step toward regulatory approval is to reach an agreement on the plans for the certification tests, and then later to conduct demonstration flights.