Skip to content

Menu

LexBlog, Inc. logo
CommunitySub-MenuPublishersChannelsProductsSub-MenuBlog ProBlog PlusBlog PremierMicrositeSyndication PortalsAboutContactResourcesSubscribeSupport
Join
Search
Close

Regulation of VTOLS Lags Far Behind Technology

By Barbara Lichman on May 6, 2020
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn

The development of Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicles (“VTOL”) looks like the wave of the future, especially where highway traffic is becoming an increasing impediment to a constructive workday. All is not rosy, however, where VTOL must share the air with conventional aircraft and the ground with densely populated urban areas.

The most advanced VTOL to date is a U.S. based technology anticipated to become available for commercial use in 2023. The aircraft is configured to carry four passengers and a pilot (for emergencies, as the aircraft is powered by electricity and designed to fly autonomously); will have a range of about 60 miles; and is expected to be able to take-off and land up to 1,000 times per hour at massive skyports, located on plots of land as small as one acre located throughout the cities served.

Another form of hybrid VTOL currently being developed by a Chinese firm and a Slovakia–based company is a flying car designed to take-off from a runway like a plane, but with the capability of converting into a surface vehicle with retractable wheels and wings.

Finally, there is a hybrid/helicopter/conventional aircraft, the distinguishing characteristic of which is technology aimed at addressing one of the primary issues surrounding the operation of aircraft – noise. To do this, speed of the main rotor will be redirected while flying, apparently without jeopardizing the integrity of the flight process. While numerous other high-end car companies are attempting to break into the market, most were too late to the game, starting the development process in 2018-19.

There are, however, numerous regulatory, as well as developmental hurdles to overcome.

First is the federal regulatory question of which Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) certification will be appropriate, 14 CFR Part 135, applicable to conventional commuter aircraft with less than 30 seats, or 14 CFR Part 29.1(f), applicable to rotorcraft with maximum weight of less than 200,000 pounds and nine or fewer seats. Second is the question of the way in which VTOLs, which will be used at least partially for transportation from airports to downtown business districts in traffic-impacted communities will be integrated into the operations of conventional aircraft in the airport environment. Third, but not least important, is the issue of noise, which, while as yet undetermined, may be demonstrable, especially in the case of hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles. Fourth are local land use restrictions on the location of the variety of landing areas that will be necessary and the local opposition that may arise.

In the final analysis, the future of VTOLs will depend not only on the technological acumen of their developers, but also the speed with which governmental entities can catch up with regulations designed to address those and other thorny issues. Stay tuned for the interesting outcome.

  • Posted in:
    Real Estate & Construction
  • Blog:
    Aviation & Airport
  • Organization:
    Buchalter
  • Article: View Original Source

LexBlog, Inc. logo
Facebook LinkedIn Twitter RSS
Real Lawyers
99 Park Row
  • About LexBlog
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Contact LexBlog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Service
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Products
  • Blog Pro
  • Blog Plus
  • Blog Premier
  • Microsite
  • Syndication Portals
  • LexBlog Community
  • 1-800-913-0988
  • Submit a Request
  • Support Center
  • System Status
  • Resource Center

New to the Network

  • Boston ERISA & Insurance Litigation Blog
  • Stridon News and Insights
  • Taft Class Action & Consumer Insights
  • Labor and Employment Law Insights
  • Age of Disruption
Copyright © 2022, LexBlog, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Law blog design & platform by LexBlog LexBlog Logo