FAA's New Rule for "Powered-Lift" Rating: A Step Towards Air Taxis in US Cities

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently introduced a new rule that establishes a "powered-lift" aircraft category for pilot training. This is the first new category for pilot certification since the introduction of helicopters in the 1940s. The new category is designed for aircraft that can take off and land vertically like helicopters but fly like fixed-wing planes, also known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This paves the way for these aircraft to fly in controlled airspace across the United States.

FAA's Announcement on the New Rule

The FAA has issued a final rule outlining the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in this "powered-lift" category. These aircraft have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. The rule also addresses operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility. This rule is seen as the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker described this as an "extraordinary moment for aviation". He stated that the rule for training and certificating pilots to fly powered lift is the final piece of the puzzle to get these revolutionary aircraft flying safely in our skies.

Details of the FAA's Powered-Lift Rule

The FAA's powered-lift rule brings numerous changes to existing regulations and establishes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate instructor and pilot certification and training. It applies helicopter operating requirements to some phases of flight and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules. The rule also allows pilots to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls, whereas legacy rules require two flight controls – one for the student and one for the instructor. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of air taxi company Joby Aviation, praised the new regulation, stating that it will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight. He also commended the rulemaking team for delivering the rules ahead of schedule.

Impact on eVTOL Startups

Several eVTOL startups, including Alef Aeronautics, a company backed by Space-X, have been monitored over the years. It's clear that flying cars must operate under the FAA's Visual Flight Rules (VRF) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This means the pilot in control will need a pilot license and be rated in the powered lift category.

Bottom Line

The introduction of the FAA's new powered-lift rule is a significant step forward in the aviation industry. It not only paves the way for the introduction of eVTOL aircraft but also ensures that the U.S. continues to play a leading role in the development and adoption of clean flight. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.