Federal regulators have given approval for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to share U.S. airspace with planes and helicopters, marking a significant milestone for the industry. This decision comes at a critical time for startups like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, which are on track to launch air taxi networks commercially by 2025.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its long-awaited final ruling on the integration of “powered-lift” vehicles, a category specifically designed for eVTOLs. This category encompasses aircraft that take off and land like helicopters, but can transition to forward flight like airplanes.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker hailed this as a historic rule that will pave the way for widespread Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the future. The announcement was made at the NBAA-Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition held in Las Vegas.
The ruling also includes guidelines for pilot training and operational rules. It introduces a new type of powered-lift pilot certification and expands the use of flight simulation training devices for pilot training and qualification.
These operating rules are tailored to powered-lift vehicles, providing eVTOLs with the flexibility to adhere to both helicopter and airplane rules as necessary. Companies like Joby, Archer, Beta Technologies, and Wisk Aero, involved in various aspects of aircraft development, have collaborated closely with the FAA to shape these new regulations for training, operations, and maintenance.
Greg Bowles, head of government affairs at Joby Aviation, expressed how the ruling aligns with their design principles, operational systems, and safety protocols. Joby is progressing through the Type Certification process with the FAA and recently secured a significant investment from Toyota to support its commercial endeavors.
