No Pilot's License Required: LIFT Aircraft's Service Allows Passengers to Rent Personal Aircraft for One Ride

LIFT Aircraft, an American electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company, recently launched the world's first eVTOL pay-per-flight experience. This experience allows regular passengers to fly their own personal electric aircraft without buying one. LIFT announced the service launch alongside a live broadcast flight of its aircraft, HEXA, on ABC's Good Morning America (GMA). 

The Pay-per-Flight Service

The initial flight was well-received by ABC News staff. GMA's Rob Marciano said when flying HEXA: "This is amazing! This is the future of personal air transportation!" LIFT views the GMA flight as a major milestone in its mission to revolutionize urban transportation and personal flight. The general public can now enjoy LIFT's pay-per-flight experiences.

LIFT will initially focus its operations in Florida, with its first location at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) operating until April 28. The airport will host the Sun N Fun Aerospace Expo from April 9 to 14. LIFT will fly HEXA in air shows and allow attendees to fly the aircraft during the event. Lakeland's relatively central location between Orlando and Tampa will enable people from both metropolitan areas to access the event easily. The short driving distance also allows people to visit on a day trip without worrying about accommodation.

LIFT will expand its service to Austin in May and other U.S. cities further down the road. The pay-per-flight experience lasts around two hours and includes extensive ground training. The training uses a virtual reality flight simulator to teach passengers the controls and accustom them to the aircraft. The passenger then pilots the aircraft themselves without needing a pilot's license. Experienced flight instructors will teach the training.

LIFT Aircraft's CEO and Founder Matt Chasen said: 

"We are incredibly excited to bring the future of personal aviation to life with the launch of our customer eVTOL flights. We're not just providing entertainment, we're offering the chance to step into a new era of mobility. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aviation."

Passengers can book the pay-per-flight experience on LIFT's newly-released mobile app or the company's website. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The Aircraft

HEXA is designed with the ability for anyone to operate from land and water, distributed electric propulsion, and low weight. The following features give HEXA an advantage over other eVTOLs on the market:

• The 18 motors and propellers, powered 100% by electricity, are the only parts required for the aircraft to fly.
• Four perimeter floats for buoyancy and stability. A fifth float has energy-absorbing foam for extra buoyancy and protection during unexpected hard landings.
• An autopilot computer with a three-axis joystick that pilots use to fly. Passengers can also enter self-flying mode by tapping a seven-inch (18-centimeter) touchscreen monitor. 
• An ultralight airframe built entirely with carbon fiber. The aircraft weighs only 432 pounds (196 kilograms).
• A design that meets the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Powered Ultralight classification. Ultralight vehicles like hot air balloons and powered parachutes do not require a pilot's license.
• The ability to fly and land safely with up to six motors disabled. Although the aircraft has an autonomous ballistic parachute, passengers will likely never use it.

Colin Guinn, the former Chief Revenue Officer of drone technology company 3D Robotics, said about the aircraft:

"LIFT is using technologies that have matured in the drone industry to democratize human flight - a natural progression that will soon provide a clean, exciting, and efficient alternative to sitting on congested roads burning fossil fuels."