AutoFlight recently hosted a comprehensive Type Certification expert review meeting for the Prosperity 5-seater passenger eVTOL aircraft at its Kunshan manufacturing centre near Shanghai – marking a key milestone in the air taxi’s certification process.
The expert group participating in the review was composed of experts in R&D design, airworthiness certification, airworthiness review, and standard setting from 14 industry representative organizations, including multiple regional representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), airworthiness certification centers, civil aviation and aviation-related colleges and universities, aviation research institutes, and industry associations.
The expert group reviewed reports from the applicant and review team covering Prosperity’s design features, the approach to determining type certification basis, the draft certification basis, and preparation instructions. Following questions and discussion, the expert group commended the work completed by both the review team and applicant. They provided important guidance and suggestions regarding the proposed review basis and clauses, while offering clear direction for subsequent compliance methods and verification procedures.
The certification process for Prosperity began in April 2024. In March 2024, AutoFlight achieved a significant milestone when its CarryAll cargo eVTOL received a Type Certificate (TC) from the CAAC, making it the world’s first ton-level eVTOL aircraft to obtain TC certification.
Prosperity features a pure electric propulsion system with a maximum take-off weight of 2,200 kg and a 5-seat cabin design. The aircraft is being reviewed under the “special category” of Type Certification according to the Civil Aviation Products and Components Qualification Review Regulations (CCAR-21-R5). Upon receiving its Type Certification, Prosperity will be eligible for a standard airworthiness certificate, enabling future air passenger operations and providing the public with safe, reliable, efficient, and rapid new air travel options.
