SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Federal regulators have signed off on new rules that could be a boon for South Burlington-based electric plane maker Beta Technologies.
It’s another important hurdle for companies like Beta, which continues to invest millions to produce an all-electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter but fly horizontally like an airplane.
Beta has been looking to expand and serve a whole new demand for the transport of goods and people. but they have been waiting on guidance from the federal government, including requirements for pilot training, certification, and operation of “powered-lift” aircraft.
It’s the first time the FAA has created a category like this since the 1940s.
“We applaud the FAA for their timely delivery of a safe path forward for pilot certification and operations of powered lift aircraft… We look forward to reviewing it in depth and working alongside our customers to operationalize it,” Beta said in a statement.
Beta shared a photo of an FAA test pilot learning how to fly a Beta aircraft.
Right now, Beta has been working in commercial and civil aviation. But the new rules could open the door to future modes of travel like air taxis, revolutionizing what flight looks like in the future.
In addition to Beta, there are dozens of businesses in Vermont that make aircraft parts and systems that are looking to get in on the emerging aerospace industry.