New FAA rule puts air taxis closer to lift off

As well as air taxis, powered lift operations include cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas.   

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 airplanes and helicopters. The rule also addresses their operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility.

In a statement, FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said: “The FAA will continue to prioritise 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. In 2023 the agency released a blueprint for how Urban Air Mobility vehicles will operate, which was a key element in maturing the overall AAM concept.