Work to assess how new eVTOL aircraft can safely integrate with other traffic in existing public airspace accelerated this week with further flight trials at Pontoise near Paris. Volocopter operated its remotely-piloted 2X eVTOL technology demonstrator in tests alongside Pipistrel’s piloted electric-powered Velis Electro light aircraft to evaluate how air traffic management technology and processes can be optimized in the lower airspace prospective eVTOL operators expect to start using for commercial flights starting in 2024. The tests also involved a Boreal UAS drone provided by M3 Systems.
The week-long flight trials, which ended on September 23, simulated three different avoidance maneuvers in situations where unplanned incidents can disrupt flight plans. The first involved the unexpected unavailability of the final approach and takeoff area and a forced diversion due to another aircraft needing to be given priority to land. The companies also tested a flight path diversion due to the closure of an airport or vertiport, and a diversion provoked by two aircraft flying on the same path.
