FAA ‘Modifying’ Approach to eVTOL Certification

In a move that the FAA says will not “add delay” to completing type certification, the agency says it is “modifying its regulatory approach” to certificating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Thom Patterson

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 08:15 AM ET

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The FAA’s change comes as three major U.S. eVTOL developers, including Joby Aviation, are well along in their type certification processes. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is modifying its regulatory approach for eVTOL aircraft, now planning to certify them as "powered-lift aircraft" using a "special class" process.
This shift aims to provide a simpler and more appropriate pathway for the novel features of eVTOL designs, departing from the previous Part 23 light aircraft certification.
The agency states that this change will not add delays to the type certification process for companies like Joby and Archer, who still expect to meet their 2024 service entry targets.

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The FAA says it is “modifying its regulatory approach” to certificating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a move that the agency says will not add delays to completing type certification.

Until now, major U.S. eVTOL developers such as Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), Beta Technologies, and Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) have been moving toward type certification under Part 23 regulations for light aircraft.