US eVTOL developer Archer Aviation has received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA authorising the start of flight testing of its Maker demonstrator aircraft. Having cleared this final threshold to begin off-ground operations, Archer remains on track to conduct its first hover flight test later this year.

Archer has worked hard to maintain a collaborative and transparent relationship with the FAA through the administration's Center for Emerging Concepts & Innovation and the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office throughout the certification process. This latest milestone follows Archer receiving its FAA G-1 Issue Paper: Certification Basis (G-1 Certification Basis) in September.

The comprehensive inspection of the aircraft was held at Archer's California flight test facility, where it is undergoing final preparations for its first flight as well as extensive safety testing. The FAA confirmed the aircraft adheres to the administration's safety standards and issued the certificate, signalling the Maker is safe to leave the ground so that hover test flights can begin.

“Earning our special airworthiness certificate from the FAA marks a significant moment for our company as we take another leap ahead toward our goal of bringing eVTOL travel to the world,” says co-founder and co-CEO Brett Adcock. “We're glad to share a commitment with the FAA to create urgently-needed air transportation solutions. We're grateful to have developed a strong relationship with its Center for Emerging Concepts & Innovation as we continue to work to ensure our eVTOL aircraft adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance. In a year of exciting milestones for Archer, this moment serves as a key validator for the incredible work our team is doing to transform our vision for urban air mobility into a reality.”

“We've demonstrated the quality and viability of our eVTOL aircraft while maintaining our commitment to safety above all else, and we now turn our focus toward the first flight tests of the Maker," adds co-founder and co-CEO Adam Goldstein. "We look forward to sharing more exciting achievements in the near future.”