The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are paving the way for the safe and efficient integration of eVTOL aircraft into the national and international airspace, bringing the vision of urban air mobility closer to reality.
The FAA has made significant strides in advancing eVTOL aircraft operations, focusing on pilot certification, aircraft approval, and infrastructure development. Here's an overview of the key developments:
To support the integration of eVTOLs into the National Airspace System, the FAA has developed design and safety standards for vertiports—takeoff and landing areas specifically for eVTOL aircraft. These standards, detailed in Engineering Brief (EB) 105A, provide guidance on vertiport design, construction, and operation, ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and safety regulations.
The FAA is actively working on blueprints for airspace and procedure changes to accommodate future air taxis and other Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. These blueprints outlines how eVTOLs will operate within urban and rural areas, leveraging existing infrastructure such as helipads and air traffic control services where possible.
The FAA has been engaged in bilateral and multilateral discussions with international partners, including the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, to facilitate the certification and operation of eVTOL aircraft globally. These collaborations aim to maintain high safety standards and streamline the integration of new aviation technologies.
October 2024 the FAA introduced a final rule establishing a new "powered-lift" category for eVTOL aircraft—the first new aircraft category since helicopters in the 1940s. This rule outlines comprehensive training and certification requirements for pilots, addressing the unique flight characteristics of eVTOLs, which combine vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with airplane-like forward flight. The rule also includes provisions for instructor qualifications and operational requirements, such as minimum safe altitudes and visibility standards.
June 2023, the FAA proposed a rule detailing pilot training requirements and operational rules for powered-lift aircraft. This proposal aimed to provide a clear pathway for pilots to earn powered-lift ratings specific to each type of eVTOL aircraft, facilitating the development of a skilled pilot workforce for this emerging sector.
June 2024 the FAA, in collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), achieved a significant milestone in certifying eVTOL aircraft. This joint effort aims to align rulemaking and policy initiatives between the United States and the European Union, ensuring the safety of the flying public and facilitating the international operation of eVTOLs.
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