Christopher Coes, acting undersecretary of transportation for policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation, delivers a keynote at Honeywell’s third annual AAM Summit in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. [Courtesy: Honeywell]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA is expected to release a final rule within the next month outlining pilot certification and initial operations for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, meeting a congressional deadline.
This new rule is anticipated to address concerns from industry groups, which previously advocated for more flexible training requirements, credit for existing pilot certifications, and greater use of simulators.
The finalization of this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) is considered a crucial step for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry to commercialize products and integrate new aircraft into the national airspace.
Beyond the SFAR, the Department of Transportation is developing a national strategy for AAM integration and working on international harmonization of standards, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics eyed as a potential showcase for the technology.
Correction: This story was updated on Sept. 23, 2024.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Within the next month, the FAA will release a final rule outlining pilot certification and initial operations for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis and other powered-lift aircraft, a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) official said Thursday.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
