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Electric seaplanes could soon ferry passengers in the Pacific Northwest
NASA, Boeing and Uber have each announced plans for electric and hybrid passenger aircraft, but a smaller aviation company might beat them to the punch. Yesterday, Harbour Airlines announced that it will convert all of its seaplanes into electric aircraft. The company plans to swap its current, conventional engines for 750 horsepower electric motors made by magniX. (www.engadget.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
The FAA will have to come up with certification standards for electric airliners. Flying an electrically-powered private aircraft is one thing, but carrying fare-paying passengers is something else entirely. And pilots and maintenance folks will need to be suitably trained and certified. Given the current MAX situation, I hope the FAA takes the time to do it right!
A Beaver without those intense vibrations just wouldn't be the same.
I know that the primary reason for the push to electrify aircraft engines is environmental, but I'm curious if there's a safety angle here as well. While lithium-ion batteries can burst into flame when punctured, I imagine (based on no evidence, mind you) the danger to passengers would be significantly less than liquid fuels which spill out over the entire aircraft when the fuel tanks are ruptured on impact, leading to the entire aircraft being engulfed in flames.
Is anyone aware of any safety studies that show that batteries are less likely to catch fire in a crash than liquid fuels, or that the fire would be less intense and less likely to affect the interior of the aircraft?
Is anyone aware of any safety studies that show that batteries are less likely to catch fire in a crash than liquid fuels, or that the fire would be less intense and less likely to affect the interior of the aircraft?
I think the operator states that while the initial changeover might be more costly, the electric drive is not subject to limits of a 2000-2500 TBO. Therefore maintenance costs are greatly reduced in the long term.
Wonder if it's going anywhere near SEA? That airport is a bear to get to, especially from the assorted island. The travel to SEA is often longer than your commercial flight.
Harbour Air uses Lake Union in Seattle as their base. Lake Union is 16 miles north of SEA and getting to SEA goes through downtown Seattle. It is still going to be a bear to get to SEA from Lake Union. Although you could go from Lake Union and walk to the Lake Union Transit, get off at Westlake Plaza and take the train to SEATAC. Quite a bit more walking, but it could be faster if you hit the schedule just right.
yes it will be all over the SEA.. lol