Hartzell Makes History with FAA-Certified Electric Propeller
Electric aviation just hit a new milestone. Hartzell Propeller, a century-old name in aircraft innovation, has officially received FAA certification for its first electric aircraft propeller—built exclusively for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry. The propeller, created in partnership with Beta Technologies, is now certified under FAA Part 35 and designed specifically for Beta’s electric aircraft models, the Alia CX300 and Alia 250.
This marks the first time the Federal Aviation Administration has approved a propeller tailored for electric propulsion in next-generation aircraft.
Built for the Future of Flight
The newly certified five-bladed, carbon fiber propeller has already been rigorously tested—thousands of hours, both on the ground and in the air. These tests were carried out on Beta’s Alia CX300 electric airplane over four years, helping ensure peak performance and regulatory compliance.
And it’s not stopping there. Beta is also using the same propeller for its Alia 250 eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) model. Both aircraft rely on a single Hartzell propeller at the rear for forward thrust, powered by Beta’s H500A electric engine. The eVTOL variant includes four more top-mounted two-blade propellers powered by Beta’s V600A motors for vertical lift.
Collaboration Powering Progress
“This is an AAM breakthrough,” said JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell Propeller. “The design we created for Beta Technologies—lightweight, precise, and highly efficient—can set the standard across the AAM industry.”
The five-bladed propeller is ground-adjustable and fixed-pitch—ideal for the unique demands of electric aircraft. Though customized for Beta, Hartzell plans to offer it to other AAM manufacturers using similar propulsion technologies.
Beta Technologies’ founder and CEO, Kyle Clark, echoed the excitement. “Hartzell brought engineering excellence and deep certification knowledge. We’re proud to have worked alongside them to move electric aviation forward.”
Taking Off into the Next Era
Hartzell’s electric propeller isn’t its first foray into advanced air mobility. In 2018, the company collaborated with Eviation to develop propellers for the Alice electric commuter aircraft. But this FAA certification places Hartzell firmly at the heart of the AAM revolution.
Beta is now focused on certifying the Alia CX300 by the end of this year, with the Alia 250 eVTOL following in 2026. The Alia CX300 has already completed real-world demonstration flights in Europe—including appearances in Ireland and at the Paris Air Show—under FAA market survey provisions.
A Leap Forward for AAM and Electric Propulsion
This certification is more than just paperwork. It’s a major leap toward commercial electric aviation. With FAA-backed safety and performance, this propeller gives the AAM industry a tested, trusted tool for accelerating electrification.
As Hartzell’s legacy meets Beta’s electric vision, the skies are opening for quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable air travel.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on electric aviation and AAM breakthroughs.
