Skyfly’s Axe SN001 prototype eVTOL aircraft has been granted an Experimental Permit to fly by US aviation regulator FAA.
The permit allows for piloted flights of the Axe VCA (Vertically Capable Aircraft) in the USA and enables the tricycle-wheeled eVTOL aircraft to continue an accelerated flight test program in the USA. It also grants Skyfly access to the larger US market for personal eVTOLs, which several companies are hoping to supply into after the FAA recently introduced the MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification ) rule, which places certain eVTOLs in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category.
Skyfly’s Axe eVTOL specification
Oxfordshire, UK-based company Skyfly has been developing the Axe in the UK so far. The company completed Europe’s first airfield-to-airfield flight of an eVTOL aircraft using its Axe prototype in July.
The Axe has an all-electric range of 100 miles (160km) and an estimated top cruise speed of 100 mph (161 km/h). A hybrid option is under development, which will offer a 300 mile (480km) range.
The two-seat aircraft is powered by eight electric motors – two on each wingtip within a single nacelle and is powered by swappable lithium batteries housed within the fuselage.
USA flight testing
Following the Axe’s North American debut at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture show at Oshkosh during July, Skyfly’s prototype Axe VCA (Serial Number 001, registration N250EV) will now remain in the USA.
Skyfly plans to conduct verification flights this winter and begin customer demonstrations in the New Year.
According to Skyfly, relocating flight testing to the USA will mean engineers can test the aircraft through the winter thanks to the more stable weather. It will also allow the Axe SN001 to act as a customer demonstrator in the country.
The company is targeting summer 2026 for the first customer deliveries.
Michael Thompson, CEO of Skyfly said, “Receiving FAA Experimental authorization is a major milestone for Skyfly. It allows us to move forward with piloted flight testing under the world’s most respected aviation regulator, while positioning the Axe at the heart of the US market – the largest and most dynamic general aviation community in the world.
“With this approval, the Axe begins the next phase of its journey from prototype to production aircraft, as we continue to demonstrate that a safe, efficient, and truly practical personal electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is already here.”
MOSAIC rules for eVTOLs
In July, the FAA introduced the MOSAIC rule, which puts smaller eVTOL aircraft into the LSA category. This offers a simpler and shorter certification pathway outside of Part 23, which is for larger aircraft and includes airworthiness standards for utility and commuter category aircraft.
It allows smaller eVTOL aircraft, such as the Axe to be flown by those holding a Sports Pilot Certificate, in addition to a full pilot license. The new rules will also allow the Axe to be used for some commercial purposes.
