Japan-based flying car and cargo drone manufacturer SkyDrive reached agreement in March with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to base the type certification for the company's flying car on the JCAB Airworthiness Inspection Manual (AIM) Part II (Revision 61).

The certification basis applies to the SkyDrive SD-05, a two seat flying car for which MLIT had accepted an application for type certification in October 2021. SkyDrive plans to launch air taxi service with this model in 2025.

In accordance with Japan's civil aeronautics law, MLIT issues a type certificate to certify that the design, structure, strength and performance of a newly developed aircraft conform with the necessary safety and environmental requirements for the given type of aircraft. Certification is granted only after the aircraft completes a battery of studies and tests, including strength and flight tests.

The eVTOL SkyDrive flying car differs from conventional aircraft and has no precedent. Therefore, SkyDrive intends to engage in every step of the inspection and certification process in consultation with JCAB, including defining inspection standards, developing a certification plan and establishing a means of demonstration, all in keeping with the process as practiced internationally.

AIM Part II defines airworthiness conditions for fixed wing aircraft that carry up to 19 passengers and have a take off weight of 8,618 kg (19,000 lb) or less. Revision 61 is the newest version of the AIM Part II. It allows flexibility in the shape of the airframe and aircraft systems. It also establishes standards for testing strength, structure and performance to validate the safety of the aircraft and its components.

Based on discussions regarding safety standards for flying cars with the Public-Private Council for Air Mobility Revolution, a body established in 2018 to promote the development of eVTOLs, SkyDrive and MLIT have agreed to conduct the SD-05's type certification based on AIM Part II. International air transport authorities, including the US FAA and EASA, have adopted standards for eVTOL type certifications equivalent to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau's AIM Part II.

SkyDrive chief technology officer Nobuo Kishi says: “The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau accepted our application for type certification in October 2021. Since then, we have held a series of discussions with the authority regarding ways to develop and design safe aircraft and the means for testing them. We've now come to an agreement with the JCAB to adopt AIM Part II as the basis for type certification. We are very pleased that we have moved a step closer to obtaining a type certificate. From here, we will continue to deepen our partnership with JCAB and discuss plans toward obtaining a type certificate.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the government of Japan and MLIT, as well as to the many organisations and companies that have supported our project. We are determined to move ahead with the launch of a flying car business and to ultimately make air mobility a reality for society.”