Hartzell Propeller Secures First FAA Certification for Electric AAM Propeller, Paving Way for Next-Gen Aircraft

HYSKY Society
4 days ago
3 min read

A white airplane with propellers in a sunlit hangar, person gesturing beside it. Snowy ground and distant buildings in the background. — Hartzell Propellers worked with Beta Technologies to develop, test, and certify a five-bladed pusher propeller for advanced air mobility aircraft such as Beta’s Alia CX300 electric airplane and Alia 250 eVTOL model.

Hartzell Propeller has secured FAA Part 35 type certification for its five-bladed propeller developed exclusively for Beta Technologies' electric aircraft lineup, marking a milestone for advanced air mobility (AAM) propulsion systems. This groundbreaking certification positions Hartzell as the first company with an FAA-certified electric engine propeller tailored for AAM.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-07-21/faa-certifies-hartzells-first-electric-engine-propeller

Hydrogen and Electric Propulsion Industry Takes Major Step Forward

Ohio-based Hartzell Propeller collaborated closely with Beta Technologies over four years to design, test, and certify this carbon fiber, ground-adjustable fixed-pitch propeller. Installed on Beta’s Alia CX300 electric airplane and the upcoming Alia 250 eVTOL, the propeller endured thousands of hours of ground and flight testing before certification.

JJ Frigge, Hartzell President in a gray shirt smiles in an industrial setting with blurred machinery and lighting in the background, creating a professional mood.

JJ Frigge, Hartzell President, said, “Our design specifically for Beta Technologies is a five-bladed, carbon fiber, ground-adjustable fixed pitch propeller that will have future applications for the entire AAM industry.”

Both Beta’s CX300 and 250 eVTOL models employ the Hartzell propeller for forward propulsion. The Alia 250 eVTOL additionally integrates four two-bladed lift propellers powered by Beta’s V600A electric motors, while forward thrust is driven by the single Hartzell propeller.

Hartzell, a century-old industry supplier, ventured into AAM in 2018, contributing to Eviation’s Alice electric commuter aircraft. Now, with Beta Technologies, Hartzell further cements its leadership in electric propulsion components.

Kyle Clark Beta CEO Smiling in a black pilot jumpsuit with patches stands at an airfield with airplanes in the background under a cloudy sky. — Beta Technologies' CEO, Kyle Clark

Kyle Clark, Beta Technologies CEO, stated, “Hartzell’s engineering precision and deep certification experience have assisted us as we bring this aircraft to market… We’re proud to have been their counterpart on this project.”

Beta expects FAA certification for its Alia CX300 later this year, with the Alia 250 eVTOL certification targeted for 2026. The Alia CX300 has already demonstrated real-world capabilities with European demonstration flights in Ireland and at the Paris Air Show.

For more information

https://hartzellprop.com/

(Top image: Credit — Hartzell Propeller)

FAQ: Hydrogen and Electric Aviation, AAM, and Hartzell Propeller Certification

What is the significance of Hartzell’s FAA certification?
1. It is the first FAA-certified propeller designed exclusively for electric-powered advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, marking a regulatory and technological milestone.

What aircraft uses Hartzell’s new certified propeller?
1. Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric airplane and Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft.

Is this propeller only for Beta Technologies?
1. While designed for Beta’s aircraft, Hartzell plans to offer the propeller to other AAM manufacturers using similar electric propulsion systems.

What materials are used in the certified propeller?
1. The propeller is constructed from carbon fiber and features a ground-adjustable fixed-pitch design.

Why is propeller certification important for electric aviation?
1. Certification ensures that the component meets safety, reliability, and performance standards critical for commercial operations.

When will Beta’s aircraft be certified?
1. Beta aims to certify the Alia CX300 by the end of 2025 and the Alia 250 eVTOL by 2026.

How does this development impact hydrogen aviation?
1. While this propeller is electric-specific, advancements in electric propulsion directly influence hybrid and hydrogen-electric aircraft systems.

Who are Beta Technologies?
1. A Vermont-based aerospace company developing electric fixed-wing and eVTOL aircraft, known for innovations in electric propulsion and charging networks.

What role did Hartzell play in previous AAM projects?
1. Hartzell previously collaborated with Eviation on propellers for the Alice electric commuter aircraft, gaining early AAM sector experience.

What is the future of Hartzell’s propeller technology?
1. Hartzell plans to adapt its certified propeller technology for broader AAM applications, including hybrid and potentially hydrogen-electric aircraft.

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