FAA accepts SkyDrive’s type certification application

SkyDrive has revealed the FAA has accepted its type certification application for its SD-05 eVTOL aircraft. 

The application, which was made through the Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau, was accepted on April 29th and marks a further step into the US market by SkyDrive after it launched its US subsidiary last year. The company will continue to pursue type certification in Japan with plans to start commercial operations after 2026, before obtaining type certification in the US.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive said: “Our development team has been working on developing the aircraft and obtaining certification in parallel up until now. We are very grateful to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for their support in applying for FAA certification and for being able to proceed with certification activities simultaneously in Japan and the United States.”

SkyDrive has now begun full-scale type certification activities in the US, it said. 

“Working closely with the FAA, which has already begun certification activities for multiple eVTOLs, and the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, which has worked with us so far, we aim for a future in which our flying car SkyDrive becomes a part of everyday transportation for people all over the world,” added Fukuzawa.

SkyDrive has also been selected as the operator of point-to-point flying cars at the 2025 World Expo in Japan. The firm plans to conduct a demonstration flight with permission from the Civil Aviation Bureau.