As Beta Technologies prepares to begin delivering electric aircraft to its first commercial customers, it is putting the finishing touches on its initial pilot training program for Part 135 operators. The Vermont-based company reported this week that it completed a comprehensive review of its Alia pilot training program with a customer for the first time.
Beta walked its launch customer United Therapeutics through the pilot training syllabus for the five-passenger Alia CX300 aircraft, which it aims to start delivering in 2025 pending FAA type certification.
A cohort of executives from United Therapeutics and its Unither Bioelectronics subsidiary, including several helicopter and fixed-wing pilots, spent three days with Beta to go over the pilot training program, which covers “foundational academics, normal and emergency procedures, and operational employment,” according to Beta. In practice, the full commercial training program will take pilots about one week to complete, a company spokesperson told AIN.
Feedback from the program review with United Therapeutics will help shape the final training product that Beta will provide to customers ahead of their initial CX300 deliveries. Beta's other customers include helicopter operator Bristow and shipping giant UPS. Those Part 135 operators can tailor Beta’s training documents to produce their own initial company training curriculums, which are then FAA-approved via a local Flight Standards District Office.
Beta and United Therapeutics conducted their curriculum review in three stages. They began with the basics, looking at the manuals and learning about the aircraft’s aerodynamic qualities and limitations. Next they covered “extensive systems academics” regarding the novel technology onboard the aircraft, including the electric propulsion system, batteries, and fly-by-wire controls. Finally, Unither pilots had the opportunity to apply that ground-school knowledge in Beta’s flight simulator, where they practiced flying on routes where they intend to operate.
United Therapeutics is a biotechnology company specializing in organ transplants, and its Unither Bioelectronics subsidiary focuses on delivery technology such as drones. Unither is looking to implement more efficient and environmentally friendly methods of transporting organs, including electric and autonomous aircraft. To that end, it has partnered with eVTOL developers Beta and EHang. It has also been working with Tier 1 Engineering on electric helicopters and recently began collaborating with Robinson on hydrogen-powered helicopters.
The CX300 model will take off and land using a conventional runway. Beta is also developing an eVTOL version of the design called the Alia 250 that it intends to bring to market in 2026, one year after the CX300 is certified.
United Therapeutics has placed an unspecified number of orders for both versions of the aircraft, according to Beta. Earlier this month, Beta received FAA authorization to begin dual-seat eVTOL flight training in the Alia 250 model.