FAA Approves New Category for eVTOL Aircraft
Top electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developers are celebrating a major milestone as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a new aircraft category specifically for “powered-lift” vehicles, setting the stage for commercial air taxis. Announced by FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker on October 22, 2024, at the NBAA-BACE event in Las Vegas, this new category is the last regulatory piece needed to facilitate eVTOL operations in U.S. airspace.
The “powered-lift” designation creates a regulatory framework essential for pilot training and certification specific to eVTOL aircraft, which have capabilities distinct from both planes and helicopters. Powered-lift aircraft, encompassing air taxis and cargo drones, are expected to play a central role in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions for both urban and rural areas. According to the FAA, this marks the first new civil aircraft category since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s, underscoring the transformative potential of eVTOL technology.
Whitaker highlighted the FAA’s commitment to ensuring airspace safety alongside innovation. “Powered-lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years, and this historic rule will pave the way for wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility operations,” he said. The new regulations align with the FAA’s commitment to safely integrate these revolutionary vehicles, which can take off and land vertically like helicopters yet cruise like airplanes.
Under the new Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), the FAA will implement tailored requirements for powered-lift pilot certification and training. This includes adapting certain helicopter operating standards to powered-lift phases of flight and setting new performance-based operational rules. A significant aspect of this SFAR allows powered-lift training with a single set of controls, simplifying the training process compared to legacy rules that required dual controls.
Last year, the FAA published a blueprint for Urban Air Mobility (UAM), aiming to support the growth of AAM by outlining airspace use and infrastructure requirements. The new SFAR builds on this groundwork, with plans to enable powered-lift aircraft integration into U.S. airspace, which could significantly reduce urban congestion and lower emissions in densely populated areas.
Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, two of the leading U.S.-based eVTOL developers, welcomed the FAA’s proactive approach and praised the agency for meeting the regulatory deadline ahead of schedule. Joby’s CEO JoeBen Bevirt emphasized the importance of the new regulation, stating, “The regulation published today will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight.” Bevirt added that the new rule “lays the groundwork necessary” for Joby’s goal of launching commercial passenger eVTOL service.
Archer Aviation echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the FAA’s dedication to moving the eVTOL industry forward. In an official statement, Archer noted, “The release of the powered-lift SFAR comes ahead of schedule, incorporates key industry feedback, and is yet another foundational step toward our goal of U.S. leadership in Urban Air Mobility.”
As the eVTOL industry progresses, this powered-lift regulation is a critical step toward making air taxis a reality in the U.S., setting a model for future eVTOL markets worldwide. The new FAA guidelines reflect a long-term commitment to building a sustainable, efficient, and innovative air transport system, positioning the U.S. as a leader in the emerging eVTOL industry.
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