Vertical adds ‘exceptional’ expertise to flight test team

Paul Edwards (left) and Paul Mulcahy (right) are joining Vertical's flight test team ahead of the first crewed campaign due to begin in 2024. (credit: Vertical)

Vertical Aerospace has added two new pilots to its flight test team ahead of a crewed campaign beginning next year. 

Paul Edwards has flown, evaluated and developed the Leonardo/AgustaWestland’s AW609 tiltrotor as well as several helicopters. For his outstanding flight-test achievement on the AW609, Edwards was awarded the Kincheloe Award in 2014.

Paul Mulcahy was the chief test pilot for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and flew evaluation and certification flights on wide range of global Part 25 and Part 23 aircraft.

In a statement on social media, Vertical said: “Ahead of 2024 crewed flight testing and UK demo flights, we’re delighted to welcome our two new test pilots, Paul Edwards and Paul Mulcahy on board to strengthen our flight test team.

“Their exceptional flight expertise will be vital as we continue the momentum in our flight test programme from spring 2024.”

Vertical announced its 2024 flight test programme earlier this year. Following the build and commissioning of its second prototype VX4, Vertical is awaiting its next Permit to Fly from the CAA. From there it can progress through crewed thrust-borne, wing-borne and transition flight testing. 

The culmination of the next flight test programme also includes public flight demonstrations. Vertical intends to fly at the Farnborough International Airshow, to and from Heathrow Airport and from a Skyports vertiport next year. Further public flight demonstrations will be announced in due course.