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 a comprehensive rule for training and certifying pilots of "powered-lift" aircraft, which are crucial for enabling advanced air mobility (AAM) by combining helicopter and airplane flight characteristics.
This new rule establishes clear pathways for pilots to earn specific powered-lift ratings, includes alternate eligibility criteria for experienced pilots, and aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.
The proposal integrates these new aircraft into existing operating rules for traditional aviation and is a key step in the FAA's broader plan to safely develop and integrate air taxis and AAM into national airspace.

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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.