FAA Greenlights Archer’s eVTOL Pilot Program
Archer Aviation has received the green light from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to start assembling a team of pilots for its upcoming fleet of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The move marks another key milestone for the innovative air taxi developer as it advances its plans to launch commercial air taxi services with its signature Midnight aircraft.
On February 18, 2025, Archer Aviation announced that it had been awarded its Part 141 certificate by the FAA. This certification formally recognizes Archer as an institution for pilot training and paves the way for the launch of its newly established training academy. With the Part 141 approval in hand, Archer can now begin training and qualifying pilots to fly its future eVTOL aircraft, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled operators ready to command its Midnight fleet.
The FAA’s Part 141 certificate is the third in a series of regulatory approvals that Archer has received in its journey toward full eVTOL operations. Previously, the company secured its Part 145 certification in February 2024, followed by the Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate in June 2024. With the recent Part 141 approval, Archer now only needs to obtain its Part 142 certificate—the final regulatory step—as it prepares for the commercial launch of its eVTOL services.
During a ceremony held at Archer’s flight test facility in Salinas, California, FAA representatives and Archer executives celebrated the new certification. Archer’s Chief Operating Officer for Urban Air Mobility, Tom Anderson, and Chief People Officer, Tosha Perkins, were on hand along with Thom Holden, Manager of the FAA’s San Jose Flight Standards District Office, and FAA Aviation Safety Inspector David Pease. “Thanks to the hard work of the Archer team and the FAA, Archer now has its Part 141 certificate in hand—yet another step towards our commercial launch,” said Anderson. He added, “I look forward to seeing the results of this effort in the form of talented pilots who can one day be at the controls of our Midnight aircraft.”
The FAA’s support is crucial for Archer as it navigates the complex regulatory landscape required to introduce a new category of air transportation. “The FAA continues to be an invaluable partner as we work together toward the safe entry of air taxis into the national airspace,” Anderson noted, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the regulator and the innovative developer.
Archer’s upcoming Midnight aircraft is being designed to carry four passengers along with a pilot at speeds of up to 150 mph. This eVTOL model is part of a new generation of urban air mobility vehicles that promise to revolutionize short-haul travel by reducing congestion and cutting travel times. Already regarded as one of the leading eVTOL developers in the world, Archer has recently expanded its focus to include defense opportunities, further diversifying its business portfolio.
The launch of Archer’s pilot training academy and the subsequent team development will be critical steps in preparing for the commercial rollout of its air taxi services. As the company continues to secure the remaining necessary certifications, it is poised to transform urban transportation with a safer, quieter, and more efficient mode of travel.
With the FAA’s Part 141 certification now secured, Archer Aviation moves ever closer to a future where electric air taxis become a common sight in the national airspace—heralding a new era in urban mobility.
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