Photo: SkyDrive
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued a G-1 certification basis for SkyDrive Inc.’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This decision establishes the specific airworthiness and performance criteria required for type certification of the "SKYDRIVE," a three-seat, lightweight eVTOL developed by the Japan-based manufacturer.
The agreement builds on a previous decision in March 2022 to use the JCAB Airworthiness Inspection Manual (AIM) Part II (Revision 61) as the framework for SkyDrive’s type certification process. AIM Part II applies to fixed-wing aircraft with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers and a takeoff weight of up to 8,618 kg. The latest revision provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in selecting methods to demonstrate compliance with safety standards.
SkyDrive is currently conducting flight tests of the SKYDRIVE eVTOL ahead of its scheduled public demonstration at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The company is also working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to validate its certification process in the United States.
Following the certification basis agreement, discussions between the company and JCAB are ongoing to finalise a certification plan, including testing schedules and procedures. Once agreed, the company will proceed with further ground and flight testing.
“We are pleased to announce that the JCAB has issued the G-1 certification basis that will apply to our first commercial eVTOL aircraft. We have reached this significant milestone through a series of respectful and collaborative discussions with the JCAB. The issuance of this certification basis represents the culmination of substantial efforts invested over several months,” said Arnaud Coville, SkyDrive’s Chief Development Officer.
“We are also thrilled with the recent progress achieved in our validation project with the FAA. Our prototype aircraft, which is currently undergoing an extensive series of flight tests, continues to accumulate valuable data as we make steady progress toward the upcoming demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo. As we pursue our certification roadmap and showcase the capabilities of our aircraft to the public, 2025 is set to become an important year for SkyDrive. We are delighted that the year is off to such a great start,” he added.
SkyDrive was founded in 2018 following initial eVTOL prototype testing in 2014. The company, headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, is working towards integrating eVTOLs into urban transport. In 2019, it became the first in Japan to conduct a crewed eVTOL flight. The company’s current eVTOL model, currently in production at a facility operated by Suzuki Motor Corporation, is expected to feature in Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued a G-1 certification basis for SkyDrive Inc.’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This decision establishes the specific airworthiness and performance criteria required for type certification of the \"SKYDRIVE,\" a three-seat, lightweight eVTOL developed by the Japan-based manufacturer.
The agreement builds on a previous decision in March 2022 to use the JCAB Airworthiness Inspection Manual (AIM) Part II (Revision 61) as the framework for SkyDrive’s type certification process. AIM Part II applies to fixed-wing aircraft with a maximum capacity of 19 passengers and a takeoff weight of up to 8,618 kg. The latest revision provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in selecting methods to demonstrate compliance with safety standards.
SkyDrive is currently conducting flight tests of the SKYDRIVE eVTOL ahead of its scheduled public demonstration at Expo 2025 in Osaka. The company is also working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to validate its certification process in the United States.
Following the certification basis agreement, discussions between the company and JCAB are ongoing to finalise a certification plan, including testing schedules and procedures. Once agreed, the company will proceed with further ground and flight testing.
“We are pleased to announce that the JCAB has issued the G-1 certification basis that will apply to our first commercial eVTOL aircraft. We have reached this significant milestone through a series of respectful and collaborative discussions with the JCAB. The issuance of this certification basis represents the culmination of substantial efforts invested over several months,” said Arnaud Coville, SkyDrive’s Chief Development Officer.
“We are also thrilled with the recent progress achieved in our validation project with the FAA. Our prototype aircraft, which is currently undergoing an extensive series of flight tests, continues to accumulate valuable data as we make steady progress toward the upcoming demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo. As we pursue our certification roadmap and showcase the capabilities of our aircraft to the public, 2025 is set to become an important year for SkyDrive. We are delighted that the year is off to such a great start,” he added.
SkyDrive was founded in 2018 following initial eVTOL prototype testing in 2014. The company, headquartered in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, is working towards integrating eVTOLs into urban transport. In 2019, it became the first in Japan to conduct a crewed eVTOL flight. The company’s current eVTOL model, currently in production at a facility operated by Suzuki Motor Corporation, is expected to feature in Expo 2025 in Osaka.
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