FAA clears Heart Aerospace X1, largest electric aircraft, to fly

The FAA issued Heart Aerospace a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the experimental category on July 23, authorizing piloted flight testing of its X1 demonstrator at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. With a 106-foot wingspan and a takeoff weight above 25,000 pounds, the X1 becomes the largest electric aircraft ever cleared by the FAA for piloted flight. The demonstrator will validate the design and hybrid-electric technology behind Heart's planned ES-30 30-seat regional airliner, which carries an order book from customers including United, Air Canada and Mesa.