FAA Issues Final Rule for Air Taxi Pilot Training & Certification

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule is seen as the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing air taxis/eVTOLs into the national airspace system in the near term By Joe Macey / 22 Oct 2024
Advanced Air Mobility International image
Follow AAMi

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revealed that its ready for air taxis, cargo delivery, and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas.

This will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s.

The agency has issued a final rule for the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in this “powered-lift” category, which have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. 

The rule also addresses their operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility. The rule is the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term. The opportunities for the use of powered lift operations are far reaching, from transporting passengers in urban areas and short-haul operations such as air ambulance services and cargo operations to potentially serving smaller communities over time. 

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said; “The FAA will continue to prioritize the safety of our system as we work to seamlessly integrate innovative technology and operations. This final rule provides the necessary framework to allow powered lift aircraft to safely operate in our airspace. 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 FAA previously determined it could certify powered-lift using existing regulations and updated other regulations so air taxis could be used commercially. Last year the agency released a blueprint for how Urban Air Mobility vehicles will operate, which is a key element in maturing the overall AAM concept.   

A new pilot-training and qualifications rule was needed 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. The rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of powered-lift instructors and pilots.

The rule: 

  • Makes changes to numerous existing regulations and establishes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate instructor and pilot certification and training.  
  • Applies helicopter operating requirements to some phases of flight and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules.  
  • Allows pilots to train in powered-lift with a single set of flight controls; legacy rules require two flight controls – one for the student and one for the instructor.  

Read it in full here.

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Vertiport Designs Revealed for AAM Operations in Abu Dhabi

LODD and Skyports Infrastructure have unveiled vertiport designs for three locations in Abu Dhabi, supporting eVTOL operations and autonomous aerial logistics through new infrastructure integration

Feb 14, 2025
Archer Secures $300 Million Investment to Drive Hybrid Aircraft Development

Archer has secured significant funding to advance its hybrid aircraft platform for defense and commercial applications

Feb 13, 2025
Moya Aero Surpasses 200 eVTOL Test Flights in Ongoing Development Campaign

Moya’s eVTOL has surpassed 200 test flights, generating critical data to refine performance, enhance control, and optimize transition dynamics on its path toward autonomous aerial logistics

Feb 13, 2025
SkyDrive Advances eVTOL Certification with JCAB’s G-1 Basis

SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft has received a G-1 certification basis from Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), marking a key step in its journey toward certification and commercial operations

Feb 12, 2025
eVTOL Vertiport Testbed Development at Campo de Marte Airport

UrbanV and PAX Aeroportos are partnering to develop Brazil’s Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem, launching a vertiport testbed at Campo de Marte Airport to support the integration of eVTOL operations

Feb 11, 2025
SkyDrive Partners to Plan Air Taxi Services in Japan

SkyDrive and JR Kyushu have partnered with the Oita prefectural government to explore the potential for eVTOL services that will improve the region's transportation infrastructure

Feb 10, 2025