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

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has proposed a comprehensive new rule for training and certifying pilots of "powered-lift" aircraft, a crucial step for enabling advanced air mobility (AAM).
This rule provides clarity for pilots and the industry on requirements for aircraft that takeoff/land like helicopters but fly like airplanes, establishing clear pathways to earn specific ratings and allowing for faster eligibility for certain pilots.
The proposal ensures powered-lift aircraft follow existing operating rules, conforms to international standards, and is part of the FAA's broader plan to safely integrate air taxis into the national airspace.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.