Ryan King and Russ Gorman of the Airport Technology Research & Development Branch (ATR) attended a preliminary dry-run of operational testing sequences for eVTOL aircraft in Denver, CO on May 9-11, 2023.  Temporary paint markings and data collection equipment were set up in a vacant parking lot and a small UAS was flown to verify sensor operation. The testing sequences conducted will be used in subsequent tests at facilities where eVTOL original equipment manufacturers (OEM) operate their prototype aircraft.   Data collected will measure the operational performance of eVTOL aircraft during take-off and landing will inform standards development for the dimensional aspects of vertiport design including touchdown and liftoff (TLOF) areas, final approach and takeoff (FATO) areas and Safety Areas.

Ryan King | ryan.king@faa.gov