Canada Makes History with First Piloted Hydrogen Helicopter Flight
Canada celebrates a groundbreaking moment in aviation with the first-ever piloted hydrogen-powered helicopter flight, marking a major milestone in zero-emission air mobility.
Photo Source: Aviation International News
In a landmark achievement for sustainable aviation, a Canadian aviation consortium has successfully completed the world’s first piloted hydrogen-powered helicopter flight. The experimental test was conducted at Bromont Airport in Quebec, where pilot Ric Webb hovered the helicopter for three minutes and sixteen seconds—powered almost entirely by hydrogen fuel cells.
The achievement marks a pivotal step in the journey toward zero-emission air mobility. With 90% of the aircraft’s energy derived from hydrogen, the flight was conducted under an experimental permit from Transport Canada. The historic moment concluded with emotional celebrations from the ground crew as the helicopter touched down safely.
According to JR Hammond, Executive Director of Canadian Advanced Air Mobility, the piloted flight demonstrates that not only has Canada met the technical and safety requirements, but it is also ready to lead in global clean aviation development.
After three years of rigorous testing, the team is now setting its sights on longer-distance flights and aims to launch commercial hydrogen-powered operations by 2028. Hammond emphasized that hydrogen’s abundance in Canada and its only byproduct being water vapor make it a game-changing alternative to conventional aviation fuels.
As demand for air travel continues to rise, this innovation positions Canada at the forefront of sustainable aviation technology.
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