Archer receives FAA certificate, on target for 2024 launch to the public

Archer Receives Special Airworthiness Certificate for its Maker eVTOL Aircraft Following Successful FAA Inspection

  • The Special Airworthiness Certificate clears Archer to begin hover flight testing of its Maker aircraft

  • After receiving its MIDO Certificate of Authorization (COA) and Aircraft Limitations from the FAA a few weeks ago, Archer has now achieved another key milestone as it progresses toward Maker’s first flight

  • The special airworthiness certificate signals that Maker has successfully met all FAA safety requirements to begin off-ground operations

  • This moment is a significant step forward in Archer’s overall certification timeline and serves as a key enabler for the company’s mission to launch its first commercial eVTOL flights in 2024

PALO ALTO, Calif., December 02, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) today announced it has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") covering its Maker demonstrator aircraft. The Special Airworthiness Certificate authorizes Archer to begin flight testing its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Maker aircraft. Having cleared this final threshold to begin off-ground operations, Archer remains on track to conduct its first hover flight test later this year.

Archer has worked hard to maintain a collaborative and transparent relationship with the FAA through the Administration’s Center for Emerging Concepts & Innovation and the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office throughout the certification process. This latest milestone follows Archer receiving its FAA G-1 Issue Paper: Certification Basis ("G-1 Certification Basis") in September.

The FAA’s inspection of Archer’s Maker aircraft was held at the company’s California flight test facility, where Maker is undergoing final preparations for its first flight, as well as extensive safety testing. As part of its formal inspection, the FAA conducted a comprehensive review of Maker to confirm the aircraft adheres to the Administration’s safety standards. Following its inspection, the FAA issued Archer its Special Airworthiness Certificate, signaling Maker is safe to leave the ground and Archer may begin hover test flights with the aircraft.

Adrian Twibill