FAA Proposes Regulations To Ease eVTOL Certification

Agency considers temporary certification as a step toward integration of new aircraft category.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 05:45 PM ET

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Archer Aviation recently unveiled its Midnight eVTOL aircraft, for which it plans to have FAA certification in 2024. [Courtesy: Archer Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has proposed a rule to update the definition of air carriers, integrating powered-lift aircraft (like eVTOLs) into existing commercial operation regulations.
This regulatory step is crucial for establishing a framework that will ease the certification process and allow eVTOLs to enter commercial service.
To facilitate immediate operations, the FAA also proposed a temporary Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for pilot certification and operations, allowing powered-lift aircraft to begin service while permanent regulations are developed.

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As eVTOL companies develop their aircraft with the declared goal of achieving FAA certification within the next two years or so, the agency appears to be clearing the path somewhat.

The regulator released a draft notice of proposed rulemaking, or NPRM, that would update the definition of air carriers to include powered-lift aircraft under the regulations covering commercial operations including airlines, charters, and air tours.