Vertically Capable Aircraft Remains on US Soil to Continue its Flight Test Campaign

The first prototype of the SkyFly Axe has gotten the federal nod of approval to begin piloted flights, allowing it to stay on US soil as it progresses through its lengthy test campaign. The two-seat, vertically capable device was dreamed up six years ago and was debuted at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture.

“Receiving FAA Experimental authorisation is a major milestone for Skyfly,” said CEO Michael Thompson. “It allows us to move forward with piloted flight testing under the world’s most respected aviation regulator, while positioning the Axe at the heart of the US market – the largest and most dynamic general aviation community in the world.

The Axe prototype, serial number 001 and registered as N250EV, will now continue its test program through winter before transitioning to customer demonstrations early next year. SkyFly’s timing coincides with the FAA’s new MOSAIC rules, which expand Light Sport Aircraft eligibility to include small eVTOLs. This will allow the Axe to be flown by sport pilots and opens the door to limited commercial use.

The Axe itself is built for simplicity and redundancy. It uses two fixed canard-style wings and eight brushless electric motors, two at each wingtip, backed by a Veronte 4x flight control system with triple redundancy. There are no tilting rotors, no liquid cooling, and no unnecessary complexity. SkyFly says the design allows the Axe to glide at a 6:1 ratio in case of total power loss… offering an aerodynamic fallback most eVTOLs lack.

Endurance currently stands at around 45 minutes in fixed-wing flight, though the company plans for extended range and a possible hybrid version capable of roughly 300 miles. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as kit-built models, supported by a builder-assist program.

“With this approval, the Axe begins the next phase of its journey from prototype to production aircraft, as we continue to demonstrate that a safe, efficient, and truly practical personal electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft is already here,” Thompson added.

FMI: www.skyfly.aero