This week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unveiled final regulations for tiltrotors and other vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including electric versions. This marks the first time the FAA has created a new category of aircraft since it allowed helicopters to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS).
The FAA stated, “This final rule addresses regulatory barriers to introducing powered-lift as a new category of aircraft into operations in the NAS.” The term “powered-lift” refers to aircraft that take off like helicopters and then transition to fly like airplanes. This design is expected to play a crucial role in the development of air taxis, catering to both cargo and passenger transport.
A Historic Change in Aviation Regulations
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker expressed excitement about the new regulations, stating, “Powered lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years, and this historic rule will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the future.”
The new rules outline qualifications and training requirements for instructors and pilots, as well as operational standards such as minimum safe altitudes and visibility. During certain flight phases, VTOLs will be treated similarly to helicopters, while a performance-based approach will be applied to some operating rules.
One significant change allows pilots to train in powered-lift aircraft with a single set of flight controls, moving away from the previous requirement for dual controls—one for the instructor and one for the student.
Addressing Instructor Shortages
Recognizing the potential shortage of qualified instructors due to the novelty of these aircraft, the FAA has made provisions for certain pilots employed by manufacturers to gain the necessary training and experience during test flights and crew training. These pilots will become the first qualified instructors to teach others in powered-lift operations.
Currently, there are no type-certified powered-lift aircraft in civil operations, but several applicants are in the pipeline, featuring “complex and unique designs, flight, and handling characteristics with varying degrees of automation.”
Companies Leading the Charge
Prominent companies like Archer, Joby, and Boeing-owned Wisk are at the forefront of developing electric VTOLs under the FAA’s new regulations. Joby received a limited flight license last year and welcomed the new rules. The company particularly praised the incorporation of simulators as a substitute for actual flight time in certification training, aligning with its approach to preparing pilots for commercial service.
In August 2024, Joby was ranked fourth in the AAM Reality Index, a tool designed to assess progress in the industry, securing over $2.2 billion in funding. German company Volocopter took first place and is regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Conclusion
The FAA’s new regulations for VTOL aircraft represent a significant advancement in aviation, opening the door for innovative air taxi services and broader Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. As the industry evolves, these rules will help shape the future of flight, ensuring safety and efficiency while addressing challenges such as instructor shortages. With leading companies developing electric VTOLs, the dream of air taxis may soon become a reality.