New FAA rule puts air taxis closer to lift off

As well as air taxis, powered lift operations include cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas.   

The agency has issued a final rule for the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in this ‘powered-lift’ category, which have characteristics of airplanes and helicopters. The rule also addresses their operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility.

In a statement, FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said: “The FAA will continue to prioritise the safety of our system as we work to seamlessly integrate innovative technology and operations. This final rule provides the necessary framework to allow powered lift aircraft to safely operate in our airspace. Powered lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years and this historic rule will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility [AAM] operations in the future.” 

The FAA previously determined it could certify powered-lift using existing regulations and updated other regulations so air taxis could be used commercially. In 2023 the agency released a blueprint for how Urban Air Mobility vehicles will operate, which was a key element in maturing the overall AAM concept.   

A new pilot-training and qualifications rule was needed because existing regulations did not address this new category of aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane during cruise flight. The rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of powered-lift instructors and pilots.  

The rule makes changes to existing regulations and establishes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate instructor and pilot certification and training; applies helicopter operating requirements to some phases of flight and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules; and allows pilots to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls. 

Responding to the FAA’s announcement, Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of eVTOL developer Archer Aviation said, “We applaud the FAA on the release of the SFAR ahead of schedule as it represents a tremendous milestone for our country and the eVTOL industry. Now, Archer has a clear roadmap to pioneer eVTOL here in the US. Our team is full speed ahead in our ongoing partnership with the FAA as we work towards commercialisation as soon as possible.”

Echoing this, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, said: "The regulation…will ensure the US continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight. Delivering ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication, coordination and hard work of the rulemaking team.”