There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart
Oscar Lara, a seasoned aviation professional with deep roots in traditional flight, drops game-changing insights on The Ways We Move podcast (YouTube). From NASA collaborations to startup vertiport visions, Lara bridges legacy aviation with the eVTOL revolution. Here’s the recap of his must-hear episode on the path to commercial Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
Why eVTOL Isn’t Just “Flying Taxis”
Lara emphasizes eVTOLs as hybrid solutions: fixed-wing range + VTOL convenience. “We’re not replacing helicopters yet—we’re filling niches they can’t,” he notes, highlighting short-hop urban routes and regional connectivity where runways are scarce. Pure electric faces limits; hybrids (battery + turbine) enable 4x range and all-weather ops, critical for real-world adoption.
Certification: The Real Hurdle
FAA Part 135 certification looms large. Lara breaks down the timeline: prototypes flying now, type certification by 2028, commercial ops 2030+. Safety data from millions of test miles will sway regulators, but noise regulations and air traffic integration are key battles.
Vertiports and Infrastructure: The Unsung Hero
No vertiports, no AAM. Lara envisions modular “skypads” at rooftops, parking garages, and heliports—starting small (2-4 pads), scaling to high-volume hubs. Power (300-500kW chargers) and autonomy will define winners.
Business Case and Market Entry
Expect cargo first (drones to eVTOLs), then air taxis. Costs? 75% lower per mile than helos, with payloads up to 1,500 lbs. Lara predicts $13B+ order books as militaries (DOD, NASA) lead early adoption.
Watch the full episode for Lara’s takes on hybrid vs. pure electric, DOD demand, and why rotorcraft disruption is imminent.
About The Ways We Move: Hosted by Nicolas Zart, this podcast uncovers mobility innovations across air, land, and sea—from eVTOLs to sustainable transport.