FAA to Undergo Audit of Air Taxi Certification Process

An audit aimed at examining the FAA’s certification process for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis is expected to begin by the end of this month, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General.

Thom Patterson

Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 11:25 AM ET

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The Department of Transportation Inspector General’s Office is about to examine the FAA’s certification process for electric air taxis. [Courtesy: EASA]

Key Takeaways:

An audit of the FAA's certification process for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis is commencing to assess the agency's progress in ensuring safety and providing guidance for these novel aircraft.
The audit aims to determine how the FAA is adapting existing regulations, originally intended for traditional piloted aircraft, to eVTOLs, which present new and complex safety challenges due to their unique designs, power sources, and potential for autonomous flight.
Requested 19 months ago, the audit's delay highlights the challenge of regulatory oversight keeping pace with the rapid development and significant funding growth experienced by the eVTOL industry in the interim.

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The USDOT IG audit intends “to determine FAA’s progress in establishing the bases for certification of [urban air mobility] aircraft, including ensuring the safety of novel features and providing guidance to applicants,” the office said in a memo released Monday.