The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published highly anticipated final regulations for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. These regulations, which are expected to chart the path for the "air travel of the future," classify powered-lift aircraft as a new category of aircraft, separate from helicopters.
What Are Powered-Lift Aircraft?
Powered-lift aircraft include eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, which use tilt rotors to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and transition into forward flight on fixed wings like a plane. Industry watchers have described these vehicles as the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years.
History of FAA Regulations
The FAA has been working on regulations for powered-lift aircraft for several years, but the process was delayed due to industry criticisms that the proposed rules were too strict. The agency had initially planned to certify these aircraft under Part 23 as normal aircraft, but later decided that they would need to obtain Part 21 certification for special class vehicles.
New Regulations
The final regulations published by the FAA contain guidelines for pilot training and operational requirements regarding minimum safe altitudes and visibility. According to the agency, the new rules address industry criticisms by providing a more comprehensive framework for certifying powered-lift instructors and pilots.
Changes to Existing Regulations
The new regulations make several changes to existing regulations, including:
- New Pilot Training Requirements: The rule provides a new pilot training and qualifications requirement because "existing regulations did not address this new category of aircraft, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and fly like an airplane during cruise flight."
- Comprehensive Framework for Certification: The rule establishes a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial group of powered-lift instructors and pilots.
- Performance-Based Approach to Operating Rules: The rule adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules, allowing for more flexibility in flight operations.
Impact on Industry
The new regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the industry, with several companies planning to launch commercial air taxi services using powered-lift aircraft. Joby Aviation, Archer, and Wisk are some of the startups that are well on their way to obtaining the necessary certificates from the FAA.
Reaction from Industry
The reaction from industry has been positive, with Joby Aviation praising the FAA for releasing the final rules ahead of schedule. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, stated in a press release:
"The regulation published today will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight."
Conclusion
The FAA’s final regulations for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles are expected to chart the path for the "air travel of the future." The new rules address industry criticisms by providing a more comprehensive framework for certifying powered-lift instructors and pilots. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see significant advancements in air mobility.
Key Takeaways
- Powered-lift aircraft are a new category of aircraft, separate from helicopters.
- The FAA has published final regulations for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.
- The new rules address industry criticisms by providing a more comprehensive framework for certifying powered-lift instructors and pilots.
- Several companies are planning to launch commercial air taxi services using powered-lift aircraft.
References
Federal Aviation Administration. (2023). Final Rule: Powered-Lift Aircraft.
Joby Aviation. (2023). Press Release: FAA Publishes Final Regulations for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles.
Archer. (2023). Press Release: FAA Publishes Final Regulations for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles.
Wisk. (2023). Press Release: FAA Publishes Final Regulations for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles.