Flying Magazine reports, “Beta will train additional company and FAA personnel using dual controls on its flagship electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) Alia 250. The company on Wednesday said the agency granted it a letter of authorization (LOA) to start dual seat pilot training of “manufacturer and FAA personnel,” such as the aviation safety inspector who will ultimately help certify the aircraft for commercial service.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
Tag: ALIA eVTOL
Beta Alia-250 Completes First Crewed eVTOL Transition Flight
Flying Magazine reports, “Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Beta Technologies this week achieved a milestone few eVTOL companies have reached. The company on Tuesday said it completed a crewed, full transition flight of its Alia-250 (A250) eVTOL.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)
Beta Performs Piloted eVTOL Aircraft Transition Flight
Aviation International News reports, “Beta Technologies has achieved the first piloted transition flights with a prototype of its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft prototype, the Vermont-based aircraft developer announced today. A successful transition flight marks a significant milestone in the development of any eVTOL aircraft, demonstrating the core capabilities of vertical lift and horizontal cruise in combination.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
Beta’s Alia Completes First Deployment at Eglin AFB
Aviation Week reports that Beta Technologies “has concluded the first deployment of its Alia electric aircraft to a US military base, completing three months of flight testing with the US Air Force at Duke Field on Eglin AFB, Florida.”
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Air New Zealand Considers Passenger Flights with Beta’s Alia Electric Aircraft
Aviation Week reports that while Air New Zealand “plans to use its first electric aircraft for a cargo-only commercial demonstration, it will consider broadening its role and adding more aircraft as the program progresses.” The carrier “announced an order for a Beta Technologies Alia electric aircraft on Dec. 6.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Bristow Conducts First Flight Test in Beta’s Alia
Aviation Week reports that global helicopter operator Bristow “has conducted its first test flight in Beta Technologies’ Alia in support of its orders for both the conventional- and vertical-takeoff-and-landing versions of the electric aircraft.”
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Beta Technologies Partners with Blade Air Mobility on eVOTL Test Flight
Aviation International News reports that on Tuesday, Beta Technologies “made a test flight of its six-seat, all-electric Alia-250 EVA eVTOL at the Westchester County Airport (KHPN) in White Plains, New York.” The flight, which was performed in cooperation with Blade Air Mobility, “was the first of an eVTOL aircraft in the New York metropolitan area.” The Alia-250 flew “alongside a conventional helicopter before pulling away for a second pass above the airport to highlight the eVTOL’s comparative quietness.” Beta claims that “its noise profile is one-tenth that of a conventional helicopter.” In April 2021, Blade “agreed to facilitate the purchase of up to 20 passenger-configured Alia-250s by its network of operators.” Blade intends to “deploy these aircraft on routes between its network of dedicated terminals in the U.S. Beta has also agreed to provide and install charging infrastructure at certain key locations.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
Bristow Plans to Acquire Up to 55 Alia 250 eVTOL Aircraft
Aviation International News reports that Bristow “is continuing to expand into the advanced air mobility (AAM) market with plans to acquire as many as 55 Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft from Beta Technologies. The company announced on Tuesday that it has placed a firm order for five of Beta’s electrically powered aircraft, with options for 50 more.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)
Beta Technologies Flies Alia Aircraft between Amazon Air Hubs
Aviation Week reports that Beta Technologies “has flown its Alia electric aircraft between two Amazon Air hubs, completing a 31-min. flight between Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Wilmington Air Park in Ohio.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
LCI Orders 50 Alia-250 eVTOLs
Aviation Week reports that LCI “has placed a firm order for 50 Beta Technologies Alia-250 electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) with an option for another 75.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)