On July 18, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) quietly released its long-anticipated Advisory Circular (AC) detailing certification guidance for powered-lift aircraft. This marks the first comprehensive certification framework for a new civil aircraft category since helicopters were introduced nearly 80 years ago. The new AC advisory circular provides a baseline for manufacturers pursuing type, production, and airworthiness certification of powered-lift vehicles, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Advanced Air Mobility AAM
The eVTOL industry has reached a point where commercial viability hinges primarily on power generation systems rather than aerodynamic configurations. Although industry discourse frequently centers on the merits of multirotor versus lift+cruise designs, the true competitive advantage emerges from an aircraft's efficiency in generating, managing, and distributing power across its entire operational spectrum.
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Aerofugia, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) subsidiary of Chinese automotive giant Geely, has secured a key Certificate of Airworthiness (CCAR-135) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This certification makes Aerofugia the first eVTOL manufacturer in China authorized to conduct short-distance passenger flights with a 1-9-seat piloted aircraft. This achievement marks a significant milestone in transitioning from prototype development to commercial eVTOL operations.
As Advanced Air Mobility transitions from prototype demonstrations to commercial operations, staying current with essential publications becomes crucial for enthusiasts, students, and professionals seeking to understand the technical foundations, market dynamics, and operational challenges ahead in the Low Altitude Economy.
On May 15, 2025, Horizon Aircraft achieved a historic milestone in eVTOL aviation technology. Its Cavorite X7 became the world's first eVTOL aircraft to successfully complete a stable wing-borne flight transition using a novel fan-in-wing design, effectively bridging conventional aircraft capabilities with helicopter-like versatility. Unlike competing designs that rely on complex tilt-rotor mechanisms or multiple exposed rotors, the Cavorite X7's innovative approach embeds fans within the wings themselves, creating a system that promises greater efficiency, extended range, and enhanced safety compared to other air mobility solutions currently in development.