Flying cars have been depicted in a number of science-fiction movies and tv shows, most all showcasing the technology zipping through a futuristic version of our world. Think the original Blade Runner and its “skimmers”: flying cars moving along highways in the sky.
But as flying cars are becoming a reality, airports must consider how to adapt to the new technology and its power needs.
Volatus Infrastructure is bringing the first permanent electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vertiport in the Americas to the Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Wisconsin.
The vertiport will feature a terminal, landing pad, and a charging station.
“The future of air transportation lands today and it lands here in Oshkosh, Wisconsin,” said Grant Fisk, Co-founder of Volatus. “Volatus is able to provide an infrastructure solution at a price point that will grant greater access to the eVTOL industry.”
eVTOL is one of the latest innovations to come out of the aviation industry. It uses electricity as a power source and its functions can be best compared to that of a drone.
Many eVTOL are being developed to become fully autonomous, but for the time being, the testing remains piloted.
While no eVTOLs have been approved yet, the FAA is working to adapt its existing regulations to accommodate the new technology, beginning with airworthiness approval.
“The Volatus development allows us continued revitalization of our airport by integrating future aviation technology into existing infrastructure,” said Jim Schell, Wittman Regional Airport Director.
A handful of eVTOL manufacturers are moving forward in the certification process, with Archer Aviation recently receiving a Special Airworthiness Certificate to begin flight testing its eVTOL aircraft.
The eVTOL vertiport could be operational as early as this fall. Construction is only expected to take a little over a month once the designs are finalized.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a week-long annual fly-in, brings over 600,000 aviation enthusiasts to the airport each year, making it the perfect landing place for the new technology.
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