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FAA Finalizes Rules for Powered-Lift Aircraft

Rule covers pilot training and operations of powered-lift aircraft, such as electric air taxis.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 12:59 PM ET

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The FAA published a final rule for pilot training and operations of powered-lift aircraft, such as Joby Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has published a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) establishing initial operational rules and pilot training requirements for "powered-lift" aircraft.
This SFAR is a crucial step for the introduction of new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft like electric air taxis, enabling their commercial operation as early as next year and marking the first new civil aircraft category since the 1940s.
The regulation incorporates industry feedback by adopting a flexible, performance-based approach to operations and pilot training, allowing for adaptations like single-set flight controls and applying existing airplane or rotorcraft rules as appropriate.

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The FAA on Tuesday published a highly anticipated special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) that charts the flight plan for a new generation of aircraft.

At the National Business Aviation Administration-Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker signed the SFAR, which contains initial operational rules and pilot training requirements for powered-lift aircraft and will remain in effect for 10 years.

Jack Daleo

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.