Archer Aviation has reached another milestone in its journey toward launching commercial air taxi services, securing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification to establish its pilot training academy.
This certification, known as Part 141, officially recognizes Archer’s flight school as a regulated institution for training and qualifying pilots.
With this approval, Archer can now develop a structured pipeline of pilots in preparation for the commercial deployment of its Midnight aircraft. The company is steadily progressing through the FAA’s regulatory framework, having now obtained three of the four certifications required to launch air taxi operations.
Archer previously secured its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate in June 2024, followed by its Part 145 certification in February 2024. The final certification, Part 142, is already in progress and will focus on simulator-based pilot training.
Archer Chief Operating Officer, UAM Tom Anderson, said, “Thanks to the hard work of the Archer team and the FAA, Archer now has its Part 141 certificate in hand—yet another step towards our commercial launch. I look forward to seeing the results of this effort in the form of talented pilots who can one day be at the controls of our Midnight aircraft. The FAA continues to be an invaluable partner as we work together toward the safe entry of air taxis into the national airspace.”
The FAA awarded the Part 141 certification during a ceremony at Archer’s flight test facility in Salinas, California. The event was attended by key industry figures, including Archer’s Chief Operating Officer of Urban Air Mobility, Tom Anderson, and Chief People Officer, Tosha Perkins. Also present were Thom Holden, Manager of the FAA’s San Jose Flight Standards District Office, and David Pease, an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector.
