Japanese Regulator Confirms Certification Basis for SkyDrive eVTOL Aircraft

Japanese Regulator Confirms Certification Basis for SkyDrive eVTOL

Japan Civil Aviation Bureau has issued the G-1 document to the start-up

SkyDrive has released the first images of its full-scale prototype for the three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft flying in Japan.

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By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

February 11, 2025

The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued G-1 documentation to SkyDrive, confirming the basis for the type certification of the company’s three-seat SD-05 eVTOL aircraft. The Japanese start-up announced the milestone on February 10 and released the first photo of an SD-05 prototype flying as preparations continue for it to be demonstrated at the World Expo 2025 event in Osaka, which will run from April 13 to October 13.

The approval from the JCAB is based on an earlier March 2022 agreement the air safety agency made with SkyDrive, allowing the company to use the agency’s Part II (Revision 61) airworthiness inspection manual has the basis for type certification. The manual was initially developed to define airworthiness requirements for fixed-wing aircraft carrying up to 19 passengers and with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 19,000 pounds. According to SkyDrive, its acceptance for eVTOL designs gives manufacturers like it greater flexibility in choosing the methods best suited to each aircraft configuration.

SkyDrive said its engineering team is continuing discussions with JCAB officials to define the SD-05’s type certification plan, including schedules and procedures needed for it to start formal ground and flight testing. The company is also seeking concurrent FAA type certification to support its plans to deliver the aircraft to U.S. operators, including SAI in South Carolina.

SkyDrive engineering team — SkyDrive's engineering team is based at Toyota in Japan and is preparing to fly its eVTOL aircraft at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

“Our prototype aircraft, which is currently undergoing an extensive series of flight tests, continues to accumulate valuable data a we make progress towards the upcoming demonstration flights at the Osaka Expo,” said SkyDrive’s chief development officer, Arnaud Coville. “As we pursue our certification roadmap and showcase the capabilities of our aircraft to the public, 2025 is set to become an important year for SkyDrive.”

Last week, Japan’s Oita prefecture announced plans to upgrade its transportation infrastructure through a new partnership with SkyDrive and the Kyushu Railway Company. Under the agreement, announced on February 6, the SD-05 eVTOL aircraft could begin operating commercial air taxi flights in and around the Beppu Bay area as early as 2028, with additional routes launching throughout the prefecture after 2030.