Holland’s PAL-V achieves crucial European aviation certification

With approval from EASA

PAL-V, the pioneering Dutch company behind the world’s first FlyDrive vehicle, has achieved a crucial milestone in its journey toward certification as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the company with a No Technical Objection (NTO) for its innovative Liberty vehicle.

This groundbreaking approval marks a major step in developing the world’s first commercial flying car. This certification approval brings PAL-V closer to its goal of making flying cars a reality. It paves the way for other companies in the emerging Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

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Volker Arnsmeier, EASA’s Senior Project Certification Manager for VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating: “This is the first time 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.”

Robert Dingemanse, Founder and CEO of PAL-V, emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating: “This milestone confirms that PAL-V is ready to bring the world’s first certified FlyDrive vehicles to market, transforming mobility forever. Our goal has always been to bring our vehicles to market as quickly as possible.”

Dingemanse further emphasised that safety remains paramount. The company is taking a careful and methodical approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the FlyDrive concept and the business itself.

PAL-V Liberty hybrid vehicle

The PAL-V Liberty, a hybrid vehicle capable of driving on the road and flying through the air, has been developing since 2008. It offers a unique solution to long-distance mobility, combining road travel with aviation capabilities to provide accurate, door-to-door service.

While the vehicle was already granted road use certification in 2020, the NTO from EASA signifies the agency’s endorsement of PAL-V’s comprehensive compliance programme, which is crucial for completing the final flight certification.

PAL-V’s innovative technology stands out in the rapidly growing flying vehicle sector. The Liberty vehicle utilises proven gyrocopter technology, offering a flight range of up to 500 km. As the only company to successfully navigate the certification process, PAL-V is positioned as a leader in the FlyDrive segment.

While several other companies have ventured into developing similar flying car concepts, none have made it as far as certification.

With the NTO in place, PAL-V is on track to receive full type certification for its Liberty vehicle, enabling the company to move toward full-scale production and international distribution. This milestone confirms that PAL-V’s designs meet EASA’s rigorous safety standards, offering a credible path to global adoption.

PAL-V’s success is not just a technological triumph; it also highlights a growing demand for flying cars across the professional, government, and private sectors. With the Liberty’s flexibility, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, PAL-V has attracted significant interest from government agencies and corporations and a large order book from private buyers.

As demand for these revolutionary vehicles increases, PAL-V is expanding its operations to meet the needs of a global market, including establishing new production facilities and international support networks.

In addition to its core FlyDrive model, PAL-V is exploring the development of various customisations, including sustainable fuel options and CO2-neutral drivetrains, to ensure that its vehicles remain at the forefront of innovation. This aligns with the company’s vision of transforming mobility while prioritising environmental sustainability.

With EASA’s No Technical Objection now granted, PAL-V is poised to revolutionise the future of transportation, offering a vision of truly integrated, multi-modal mobility. The company’s commitment to innovation and safety sets a high standard for the emerging sector, ensuring that PAL-V will remain a key player in the evolution of air mobility.

Image: The PAL-V Liberty, a hybrid vehicle capable of driving on the road and flying through the air. Credit: PAL-V

Last Updated on 6 days by Arnold Pinto