DOT: Internal Strife ‘Hindered FAA’s Progress’ on AAM Regs

Audit claims mismanagement and miscommunication continue to inhibit FAA rulemaking on air taxi regulations.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 05:31 PM ET

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AAM aircraft, such as Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL, face delays in certification. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

A U.S. Department of Transportation audit revealed that internal strife, mismanagement, and fragmented communication within the FAA have significantly delayed the certification and regulation of eVTOL air taxis.
Key issues identified include prolonged indecision on the proper certification pathway for eVTOLs, a lack of established airworthiness standards and operating rules for "powered-lift" aircraft, and unclear responsibilities for the Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation.
The FAA's recent reversal to certify eVTOLs as special-class powered-lift aircraft necessitates the development of entirely new regulations, pilot certifications, and operating rules, further delaying the launch of commercial air taxi services beyond initial expectations.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the launch of the U.S.’s first air taxi routes, which have been set back by regulatory red tape. But according to a U.S. Department of Transportation audit of the FAA, they may need to wait even longer than expected.

The audit, published last week, details years of internal strife, mismanagement, and fragmented communication it claims have unnecessarily delayed the certification and regulation of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, such as air taxis. The DOT issued four recommendations to the FAA—with which it concurred—but said the agency “will likely continue to face challenges.”