Important Innovations Collection

Air One eVTOL Successfully Transition from Hover to Cruising                                                       Source:  Air Air Goes For FAA Approval For Israeli startup company Air, their eVTOL Air One has reached a significant milestone.  The personal flying machine has successfully transitioned from hovering to cruising.  Several months ago, it also nailed lift-off to hover.  What this means is that Air can now go after FAA certification for Air One to fly and operate in the US.  The Israeli company is now shifting most of its operations to the US to focus on achieving necessary regulatory approval to fly here.  This new urban air mobility technology is definitely in the take-off lane. It's a fully electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. Tech Specs Air One is designed for personal owne...

Joby Wins 1st FAA Flying Certificate                                             Source:  Joby Aviation One Certificate Done & Two More to Go California-based flying taxi startup Joby Aviation is one big step closer to takeoff.  It just received its Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the FAA.  It is a major milestone for the company.  It means that Joby can begin operating its air taxi service.  But to legally fly passengers, it needs to secure two more certificates.  It must be awarded a Type Certificate from the FAA which declares that the company's eVTOL meets the Agency's design and safety standards.  It also needs to secure a Production Certificate when it is ready to start producing eVTOLS.  With those three certificates, Joby can start legally flying passengers in its air taxis.  Tech Specs and P...

FAA Approves Small Drones Flying Over People & At Night                                                      Source:  Amazon Opens the Way to Widespread Commercial Drone Deliveries The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has just approved small drones flying over people and at night.  This regulatory clearance is viewed as enabling the start of widespread commercial drone package deliveries in the US.  For companies like Amazon, Walmart and UPS, this is a long-awaited decision and a big business opportunity.  Until now, drones have been restricted to very limited operations involving direct participants and required FAA clearance and waivers for more public exposure, such as testing drone package deliveries in specific neighborhoods. Security Issues The FAA is addressing security concerns by requiring re...

FAA Re-writing the Rules Source:  NASA Supersonic Concept Flying Beyond the Speed of Sound At the Paris Air Show, FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell said the United States is changing the regulations to enable testing and the reintroduction of supersonic flights for passengers.  This is a major milestone for the return of civilian supersonic flights in the United States. New Generations of SST For the flying public and aviation enthusiasts, this is exciting news because there are many innovative supersonic aircraft projects well underway.  Companies like Boom Technologies and Aerion, as well as NASA, are working on next generation SST aircraft to replace the Concorde which ended flights in 2003.  The FAA's plans will give these companies a more efficient process to make SST travel a reality again. Elwell added the FAA and US Department of Transportation are committed to safe and environmentally sound R&D of supersonic aircraft.

Google Wins First FAA Approval to Deliver Packages by Drones Source:  Google Drone Starts in Virginia Google is now on its way to deliver packages to your door by drones.  Google just won the FAA's first approval for package deliveries by drones.  Drone delivery is approved to start in Virginia.  The operator is Google spinoff Drone Delivery Business.  The FAA has approved the drone company as a small airline.  This ushers in the beginning of package delivery in the US by drones.  Google is expected to deploy drone deliveries within a few months, Google Project Wing The Google drone delivery service works this way.  The drone delivers the package by tether and drops it on your doorstep as it hovers above.  The system is expected to slash delivery times and costs.  Not everyone is in favor.  A recent survey found that 50% of Americans aren't comfortable with drones delivering packages in their neighborhoods and to their h...