Several firms are hoping their flying taxis can obtain the necessary certification in 2023 to commence commercial production, paving the way for the first passenger services WorldAhead
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskAir taxis generally carry fewer than half a dozen passengers. They land and take off vertically using multiple small rotors, much like hovering drones. With clever software controlling the rotors, they are easier to fly than a helicopter and readily capable of autonomous flight. The abundance of rotors also helps with safety, as the aircraft can continue to fly if one or more fails.
After scratching their heads about how to certify these newfangled flying machines, regulators have been working with developers on safety standards. This is a multi-stage process. Besides obtaining “type” approval, which signifies the airworthiness of a new type of aircraft, factories must be certified before production can begin in volume. And an airline-style licence is required if fare-paying passengers are to be carried. Companies are working hard to get these approvals.
China may be an exception: EHang, a Chinese firm, is working with that country’s aviation administration on flight trials of its two-passenger vehicle, which flies autonomously. These are likely to include test flights carrying passengers over tourist spots and delivering parcels. AutoFlight, another Chinese firm, aims to certify its air taxi, which seats three passengers and a pilot, with a series of test flights in Germany.
In addition to the aircraft themselves, companies will also start work on “vertiports”, as the small take-off and landing sites that es will use are called. In 2023, the race to get this new industry off the ground will truly begin.This article appeared in the Science and technology section of the print edition of
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