The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, has issued a ‘No Technical Objection’ to PAL-V, the Dutch company that developed and is commercialising the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle (Flying Car).

EASA’s Senior Project Certification Manager for VTOL, Volker Arnsmeier, reinforced the significance of this moment, stating: “This is the first time ever we have issued a No Technical Objection (NTO) for a FlyDrive vehicle in the Innovative Air Mobility sector—a major step toward certifying the PAL-V Liberty.”

The PAL-V Liberty vehicle has been under development since 2008. The vehicle drives on the road and can be quickly converted into an aircraft. By integrating air and road travel into one vehicle, it offers very safe door-to-door, long distance mobility.

The certification for road use was achieved in 2020, and the No Technical Objection is EASA’s endorsement of PAL-V’s detailed compliance demonstration program to finalise flight certification. It confirms that there are no known risks preventing full type certification.

PAL-V is a frontrunner in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Markets 
Around the world companies are racing to develop novel aviation concepts, driven by innovations in propulsion, composites and software. Unmanned aviation applications have become commonplace and adopted in both military and civilian applications.

Meanwhile, various novel concepts for passenger transportation are being developed. These initiatives are enjoying strong government support in the US, Middle East and Asia. E.g. China made ‘Low Altitude Economy’ a national priority.

PAL-V is now the first company in the sector to reach the last of seven EASA certification phases. EASA is known to adhere to the strictest levels of safety requirements which provides PAL-V a path to global adoption once certified in Europe.