In a major victory for the burgeoning industry, federal regulators have cleared the path for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to share U.S. airspace with planes and helicopters. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) final ruling on the integration of ‘powered-lift’ vehicles is a significant step forward for startups like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, which are expected to launch air taxi networks commercially in 2025.
What are Powered-Lift Aircraft?
Powered-lift aircraft are a new category of aircraft that can take off and land like helicopters but then transition to forward flight like airplanes. This type of aircraft is the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years, and the FAA’s ruling will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the future.
The Ruling: A Win for the Industry
The FAA’s final ruling on powered-lift vehicles includes guidelines for pilot training and clarifies operating rules. For example, aside from a new type of powered-lift pilot certification, the ruling includes an expanded ability for operators to train and qualify pilots using flight simulation training devices.
Operating Rules Tailored to eVTOLs
The operating rules are tailored specifically to powered-lift vehicles and allow eVTOLs the flexibility to switch between helicopter and airplane rules as needed. This is a significant advantage for eVTOL manufacturers, who can now design their aircraft with greater flexibility in mind.
Industry Leaders Praise the Ruling
Joby Aviation’s head of government affairs, Greg Bowles, said that the ruling "aligns with all the hopes that we had been designing for." He noted that Joby will be able to begin commercial operations once it receives its type certification from the FAA. Beta Technologies, Wisk Aero, and Archer Aviation have also worked closely with the FAA to develop this new set of rules for training, operations, and maintenance.
A New Era for eVTOLs
The FAA’s ruling is a major step forward for the eVTOL industry, which has been working towards commercialization for several years. With the regulatory framework in place, manufacturers can now focus on scaling up production and launching commercial services.
Key Players in the eVTOL Industry
- Joby Aviation: A leading eVTOL manufacturer that is expected to launch air taxi networks commercially in 2025.
- Archer Aviation: Another prominent eVTOL manufacturer that is working towards commercialization.
- Beta Technologies: A company that is developing eVTOLs for urban air taxi networks, defense, cargo, and medical logistics.
- Wisk Aero: A company that is building eVTOLs for urban air taxi networks.
The Path Forward
With the FAA’s ruling in place, manufacturers can now focus on scaling up production and launching commercial services. The industry will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge and regulatory frameworks are refined.
Conclusion
The FAA’s final ruling on powered-lift vehicles is a significant step forward for the eVTOL industry. With the regulatory framework in place, manufacturers can now focus on scaling up production and launching commercial services. This is an exciting time for the industry, and we can expect to see significant growth and innovation in the years to come.
