Asia-Pacific AAM Report 1H 2023

PILOT TRAINING FEATURE
that with the sheer number of eVTOL pilots required, retired airline
pilots would not be able to provide the supply needed. This has
brought up discussions for the need of eVTOL pilot training centers.
These training centers would be either in-house or with Part 61/Part
141 flight schools. Additionally, the cost to train an eVTOL pilot is
incredibly high. A concern has been “who” would pay for this training?
With a Part 135.243 scenario and at least 1,200 hours total flight time
required, training costs could easily reach $100,000.00 USD from zero
time to reaching certification and hour requirements. Adding to this
most, if not all eVTOL concerns (Archer, Joby) have announced that
ultimately their aircraft would operate autonomously. What would
a perspective eVTOL pilot think about having a very finite career in
the eVTOL cockpit? Additionally, another concern, extra space time
accrued as an eVTOL pilot even be useful or credited by the regional,
mainline, and corporate segments of aviation? Many of these
questions remain unanswered.
Simulators
Without question, simulators will serve as an effective tool in the
training/recurrent training of an eVTOL pilot. My recommendation is
that simulator-based training, starting in the home with desktop flight
simulators; XPlane or Microsoft Flight Simulator, be utilized and
available for any perspective eVTOL pilot for familiarity and gauge of
interest prior to flight training. Liberal use of flight simulation during
and after flight training as well as prior to commencing operational
pilot in command duties will prove a great asset. Companies such as
CAE have developed a simulator targeting the eVTOL market tailored
to single-pilot operations. Several other companies are developing
training devices and full-motion flight simulators suitable for training
pilots to operate multiple eVTOL types.
Autonomy
Autonomous flight (AKA no pilots in the cockpit) is generally
considered to be the “end game” for eVTOLs. Eventually, piloted
eVTOL aircraft would be replaced by fully autonomous platforms,
thus eliminating the pilot. This has benefits in terms of cost-savings
(pilot salary) as well as potentially providing a safer passenger
experience. As indicated previously, a major downside to autonomy
is why would a eVTOL pilot desire this path knowing that their career
is finite, and they would be replaced by autonomy? This will certainly
be a challenge for the sourcing, recruitment, and retention of any
eVTOL company utilizing eVTOL pilots.
Final Thoughts
Along with a myriad of regulatory and government requirements
to successfully bring eVTOLs to the marketplace in a commercial
capacity, the requirement and need for eVTOL pilots could become a
critical priority in the coming months as many eVTOL OEMs continue
to target 2024-2025 to commence commercial flight operations.
Knowing that the training time for a new pilot to become a certified
eVTOL pilot can take 18 months or longer.
The time is now for the
FAA and eVTOL OEMs to
coordinate and commence
eVTOL pilot training activities.”
1H 2023 ASIA-PACIFIC AAM REPORT | 57