BETA Technologies has received a first-of-its-kind approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US aviation safety authority. It allows the company to carry potential customers on demonstration flights in its electric ALIA A250 aircraft. FAA experts reviewed safety before granting permission, which also allows flights across a wider area, subject to restrictions.
The first flight under the new approval took place on 20 October. It covered 39 miles in 20 minutes, travelling from Plattsburgh International Airport in New York to Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont. The aircraft took off vertically, rising straight into the air, before switching to forward flight supported by its wings. It also landed vertically at its destination.
The A250 is designed to operate with or without a runway and to carry up to five passengers or more than 1,200 pounds of cargo. Potential uses include passenger transport, goods deliveries, medical services and military operations. However, the latest permission covers demonstration flights for potential customers and other participants, rather than unrestricted commercial services. BETA must complete the FAA’s full approval process before it can begin routine commercial operations. The company is continuing flight tests as it works towards that goal.
