Archer Aviation, developer of the Maker eVTOL, has been approved by the FAA for G-1 certification basis. This enables it to move closer towards its end goal of obtaining an FAA type certification for the aircraft.

It worked with the FAA through its Centre for Emerging Concepts and Innovation and the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office to develop the airworthiness and environmental requirements necessary for full certification for the Maker.

"We're certainly proud to have hit this historic milestone for Archer. Obtaining the G-1 certification basis is a significant step forward towards Archer's and the eVTOL industry's goal of changing how people will move around urban environments," says Archer's head of certification Eric Wright. "This is an exciting time to be a part of the aviation industry as we work to electrify the skies, and we look forward to continuing to partner with the FAA on revolutionising aircraft transportation."

The G-1 Certification Basis is based on the FAA's certification standards contained in 14 C.F.R. Part 23. With Part 23 as the foundation, the G-1 Certification Basis sets the specific Airworthiness Standards and Environmental Standards required for FAA Type Certification. Archer can now focus on finalising its G-2 Issue Paper with the FAA, which will set forth the means of compliance to meet the requirements set out in the G-1 Issue Paper. Archer has been working on the means of compliance for the G-2 Issue Paper with the FAA since earlier this year, as well as the necessary testing and methods required to demonstrate safety and compliance of the aircraft.

"Certification continues to be the shining light at the end of our design and development tunnel," adds Brett Adcock, co-founder and co-CEO of Archer. "While there is still significant work ahead of us, we now have a basis agreed upon with the FAA that will allow us to better focus our efforts on our goal of obtaining certification on an efficient timeline."