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0 pointsGekkePrutser5y ago0 comments

> e.g., each Cessna pilot has to make sure he has 30+min fuel reserve

Well, this is pretty much standard practice!

Edit: Ah I misunderstood your comment. So yes it is standard.

However I could see this not applying to these guys, because with vertical landing capability they should be able to support field landings with really minimal risk.

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gibolt5y ago

VTOL and several other major capability differences really should change the certification process. Current certifications a designed around certain engineering constraints.

Nearly all existing planes operate with the same basic parts, thanks to the fuel. This dictates the possible drivetrains.

Reduced complexity can lead to drastic reconsideration.

While I don't expect change to be super fast, regulation tends to move faster than normal when major disruption starts showing up in practice (drones, self-driving vehicles, ...)

nradov5y ago

There is already a certification process for helicopters and autogyros, so VTOL capability alone is no reason for a different certification process. Helicopters require a 20 minute fuel reserve in VFR conditions and 30 minutes in IFR conditions.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.151

GekkePrutserOP5y ago

Yes but these are automated, so they could be programmed to stay within X minutes of backup landing sites at all times, and altitudes to reach them easily.

nradov5y ago

No there will be a human pilot in control. It's going to be many years before fully automated aircraft are allowed to carry human civilian passengers through regular airspace.

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0 comments

gibolt5y ago

VTOL and several other major capability differences really should change the certification process. Current certifications a designed around certain engineering constraints.

Nearly all existing planes operate with the same basic parts, thanks to the fuel. This dictates the possible drivetrains.

Reduced complexity can lead to drastic reconsideration.

While I don't expect change to be super fast, regulation tends to move faster than normal when major disruption starts showing up in practice (drones, self-driving vehicles, ...)

nradov5y ago

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/91.151

GekkePrutserOP5y ago

Yes but these are automated, so they could be programmed to stay within X minutes of backup landing sites at all times, and altitudes to reach them easily.

nradov5y ago

No there will be a human pilot in control. It's going to be many years before fully automated aircraft are allowed to carry human civilian passengers through regular airspace.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse