Within the next few years, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft could be sharing the skies with helicopters in the U.S. and other markets around the world. However, there are many misconceptions about what these aircraft are and how they will be operated, with many people believing that all eVTOLs will be autonomous, for example.
In fact, skilled and knowledgeable pilots will be essential for the first generation of eVTOLs, and many of their operations will resemble existing helicopter tour and charter operations. An upcoming Elevations course at Vertical Aviation International’s Verticon conference and trade show aims to give helicopter pilots, operators and others deep insight into the current state of eVTOL technology and regulation, with an emphasis on practical implications for operations and safety.
Called “Introduction to eVTOL Aircraft for Helicopter Pilots,” the full-day course on Sunday, March 9 is led by Elan Head, a helicopter certified flight instructor, senior editor for The Air Current, and contributor to Vertical Magazine. Head has been reporting on the eVTOL industry since its beginnings in 2017 and is widely known for her objective coverage of the associated technology, regulations, and business models.
Contributing to the course will be Dr. Richard Brown of Sophrodyne Aerospace, who will provide attendees with an overview of eVTOL aerodynamics and how they resemble and differ from helicopter aerodynamics with respect to phenomena such as vortex ring state. The course will also feature guest speakers from leading eVTOL developers, who will address topics such as fly-by-wire flight control schemes, flight planning and energy management in battery-electric aircraft, powered-lift pilot training requirements and operating rules, and opportunities for helicopter pilots and operators. Confirmed speakers include:
- Raj Helweg, chief pilot for Archer Aviation (previously with Air Methods)
- Ryan Naru, aviation policy and regulatory affairs lead for Joby Aviation
- Kristen Costello, regulatory affairs for Beta Technologies
“As a helicopter pilot and flight instructor, I’m fascinated by the technology in eVTOL aircraft, and this course is my chance to share everything I’ve learned over the past eight years with other industry professionals at Verticon,” Head stated. “Whether you’re excited by the promise of eVTOLs or deeply skeptical of them, this course will provide the factual information you need to better evaluate how they may impact your career or operations.”
Attendees can find more information and register for the course on the Verticon website.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Elan Head.