Hogan Lovells assists Matternet in obtaining breakthrough FAA drone certification
Washington, D.C., 8 September 2022 — Global law firm Hogan Lovells has advised drone manufacturer Matternet in securing the first-ever standard type certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a drone – Matternet’s M2 UAS.
Through its type certification process, the FAA reviews the design of an aircraft and all component parts, including propellers, engines, and control stations. Certification signifies the design is in compliance with applicable airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions standards.
Over the last several years, a handful of drone manufacturers have been working with the FAA to win type certification. This first approval is a crucial step, enabling Matternet to demonstrate the safety, efficiency, and economic benefits of its drones.
Hogan Lovells partner Lisa Ellman, who heads the firm’s Uncrewed Aviation Systems practice, said: “Issuance of a type certificate for Matternet’s M2 UAS is a significant victory for Matternet—and is a major milestone for the commercial UAS industry as a whole. Type certification is key to enabling real-world commercial operations at scale across the United States, and to bringing the significant benefits of drone technology to the American public.”
In addition to Ellman, Washington, D.C.-based senior associate Matthew Clark also advised Matternet. Hogan Lovells’ UAS team also includes Arjun Garg, Patrick Rizzi, Emily Kimball, and Allisa Newman.
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