Advanced Air Mobility Modern Flying News

FAA Finalizes Rules for Powered-Lift Aircraft

Rule covers pilot training and operations of powered-lift aircraft, such as electric air taxis.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 12:59 PM ET

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The FAA published a final rule for pilot training and operations of powered-lift aircraft, such as Joby Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has published a new Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) to establish initial operational rules and pilot training requirements for "powered-lift" aircraft.
This SFAR creates the first new civil aircraft category since the 1940s, paving the way for advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft like eVTOLs to potentially begin passenger and cargo services as soon as next year.
The regulation adopts a flexible, performance-based approach for operations, applying existing airplane or helicopter rules as appropriate, and allows for more adaptable pilot training methods, including single-control setups.
The SFAR addresses previous industry feedback by providing a practical framework for the safe development and integration of powered-lift aircraft and supports continued work on essential infrastructure like vertiports.

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The FAA on Tuesday published a highly anticipated special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) that charts the flight plan for a new generation of aircraft.

At the National Business Aviation Administration-Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker signed the SFAR, which contains initial operational rules and pilot training requirements for powered-lift aircraft and will remain in effect for 10 years.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.