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 years of internal strife, mismanagement, and fragmented communication within the FAA have unnecessarily delayed the certification and regulation of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft like eVTOL air taxis.
The audit identified major deficiencies, including undue time spent determining the proper AAM certification pathway, a lack of established airworthiness standards and operating rules for the "powered-lift" category, and unclear communication surrounding the role of the Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation (CECI).
These issues led to policy reversals and applicant confusion, meaning the FAA still has extensive regulatory work ahead, such as developing new pilot certification rules and establishing operating regulations for commercial powered-lift aircraft.
Although the FAA concurred with the DOT's four recommendations to address these problems, the audit suggests the agency will likely continue to face challenges in safely integrating AAM aircraft, potentially further delaying the planned 2025 launch of air taxi services.

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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.”