Photo: EHang
There's no doubt the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) industry is growing rapidly and is estimated to boom in the following years. The question is whether countries have sufficient skilled personnel to meet the demands of this expanding industry. China is taking this issue seriously. A recent partnership between eVTOL maker EHang and the country's most prestigious aviation university was set up to support the low-altitude economy and UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) development in particular.
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) estimates a talent shortage of up to one million in the UAV field and the wider low-altitude economy. EHang, the internationally renowned Chinese eVTOL maker, knows this first-hand. As it continues to expand, both nationally and beyond, it needs a large pool of skilled professionals such as operators, maintenance staff, training staff, and supervisors, all with expertise in UAVs.
To address this important issue, EHang joined forces with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (the CAFUC). Known as a breeding ground for the best civil aviation pilots, CAFUC was also one of the first (and few) to open a major in UAV system engineering. Founded by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) together with the government of Sichuan Province, CAFUC has played a pivotal role in establishing the legal framework for UAVs, including pilot licensing, standards, and training practices for civilian operators.
EHang's pilotless eVTOL EH216-S made headlines worldwide when it obtained three airworthiness certificates from CAAC. It was an industry-first and a major win for EHang. One of them was the PC (Production Certificate), which allowed EHang to kick off mass production of its autonomous passenger-carrying aircraft.
This complex project equally supported by EHang and CAFUC will unfold on multiple levels. One of the goals is to combine vocational training with academic education so that graduates can become double-licensed as large UAV operators and EH216-S operators.
At the same time, EHang is actively supporting its international customers in becoming ready for commercial operations. This includes specialized training for UAV operators and maintenance staff and designing operational sites.
The EH216-S is a two-seat lightweight UAV designed to cover short distances of up to 22 miles (35 km) at a maximum speed of 80.7 mph (130 kph). It's currently the only pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL that has obtained type certification.
It was also officially the first of its kind to be selected by a national police force for its operational fleet (the Spanish National Police). The Chinese eVTOL has completed multiple pilot-free flights so far in various parts of the world, including Japan, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Additionally, it's gearing up to enter commercial service in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where EHang will set up regional headquarters.
To address this important issue, EHang joined forces with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (the CAFUC). Known as a breeding ground for the best civil aviation pilots, CAFUC was also one of the first (and few) to open a major in UAV system engineering. Founded by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) together with the government of Sichuan Province, CAFUC has played a pivotal role in establishing the legal framework for UAVs, including pilot licensing, standards, and training practices for civilian operators.
EHang's pilotless eVTOL EH216-S made headlines worldwide when it obtained three airworthiness certificates from CAAC. It was an industry-first and a major win for EHang. One of them was the PC (Production Certificate), which allowed EHang to kick off mass production of its autonomous passenger-carrying aircraft.
This complex project equally supported by EHang and CAFUC will unfold on multiple levels. One of the goals is to combine vocational training with academic education so that graduates can become double-licensed as large UAV operators and EH216-S operators.
At the same time, EHang is actively supporting its international customers in becoming ready for commercial operations. This includes specialized training for UAV operators and maintenance staff and designing operational sites.
The EH216-S is a two-seat lightweight UAV designed to cover short distances of up to 22 miles (35 km) at a maximum speed of 80.7 mph (130 kph). It's currently the only pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL that has obtained type certification.
It was also officially the first of its kind to be selected by a national police force for its operational fleet (the Spanish National Police). The Chinese eVTOL has completed multiple pilot-free flights so far in various parts of the world, including Japan, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Additionally, it's gearing up to enter commercial service in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where EHang will set up regional headquarters.
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