FAA Proposes Training, Certification for Powered Lift Pilots

The proposed rule is the latest step toward advanced air mobility that has been under development since August.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, June 07, 2023 at 05:19 PM ET

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An air taxi manufactured by Joby Aviation goes for a test flight. [Credit: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has proposed new comprehensive rules for training and certifying pilots for "powered-lift" aircraft, crucial for enabling advanced air mobility (AAM).
These rules aim to clarify requirements for aircraft that take off/land like helicopters but fly like airplanes, establishing specific powered-lift pilot ratings.
The proposal outlines certification pathways, including faster eligibility for pilots with existing commercial certificates, and mandates adherence to current operating rules for traditional aircraft, aligning with international standards.
This initiative is a key part of the FAA's broader plan to integrate air taxis into U.S. airspace, with a 60-day public comment period starting June 16.

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The FAA has taken another step toward enabling advanced air mobility by proposing a comprehensive rule for training and certifying pilots of powered-lift aircraft.

According to the FAA, new rules are necessary because many of the proposed aircraft takeoff and land like helicopters, but fly like airplanes en route. The powered-lift proposed rule is designed to provide clarity to pilots and the industry on what the requirements will be to operate these aircraft.