FAA Reveals Ambitious Plan for Air Taxi Operations by 2028

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published a plan to initiate a competitive air taxi market, aiming to begin limited operations as early as 2025 and establish service in at least one city by 2028. The FAA envisions beginning with existing flight rules for helicopters and other low-altitude aircraft and requiring human pilots at least in the initial phases.

The plan, called the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Implementation Plan, was released on Tuesday and outlines the steps that the FAA and other stakeholders will need to take to safely enable air taxi operations in the near term. Air taxis are small aircraft that can take off and land vertically and fly short distances, using electric or hybrid propulsion systems. They are often referred to as electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The FAA said the purpose of the plan is to provide a framework for innovation and collaboration among industry, government and communities, while ensuring safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability. The plan covers various aspects of air taxi operations, such as vehicle certification, operator certification, airspace integration, infrastructure development, community engagement and policy coordination.

The plan also identifies several milestones and timelines for achieving the vision of air taxi service by 2028. For example, by 2025, the FAA expects to have certified several eVTOL aircraft models, issued air operator certificates to some air taxi providers, developed standards and procedures for low-altitude airspace management, and conducted demonstrations and trials in selected locations.

By 2028, the FAA expects to have enabled regular air taxi operations in one or more cities, with multiple certified eVTOL aircraft models, operators and service providers, integrated airspace management systems, adequate infrastructure and facilities, and public acceptance and support.

The FAA said it will work closely with its partners and stakeholders to implement the plan and monitor its progress. The agency also said it will update the plan as needed to reflect new developments and challenges in the emerging air taxi industry.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, faa.gov, activistpost.com, theepochtimes.com