Description

The acronym eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) refers to electrically powered aircraft that take off and land vertically. An eVTOL aircraft can be piloted or flown remotely. Regulators and others in the aviation industry also envision fully autonomous eVTOL aircraft. Numerous eVTOL concepts are under development. Specifics differ, but several of these aircraft carry 4-5 people over distances up to 100 miles at speeds up to 150 mph. Cargo aircraft also are in development.

Regulatory Background

In the United States, these aircraft fall under the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) classification, which the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) describes as "an umbrella term for aircraft that are highly automated, electrically powered, and have vertical takeoff and landing capability."