Defines Pilot Qualifications, Training, and Operational Requirements

The FAA announced a new rule at the 2024 NBAA-BACE that signals the highly anticipated acceptance and integration of powered lift into the FAA’s domain of aviation that it says will chart the path for air travel of the future.

The rule establishes the new category of “powered lift” aircraft which have characteristics of both helicopters and airplanes. Operations in the category include air taxi, cargo delivery, and a variety of additional operations in both urban and rural areas.

By  finalizing amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for a period of ten years to facilitate pilot and instructor certification and clarify operational rules, the FAA considers this the final piece in the puzzle for safely integrating powered lift aircraft into the National Airspace System in the near term. It defines the qualifications and training required of pilots and instructors to fly aircraft in this category and also lays out operational requirements such as required visibility and minimum safe altitudes.

This new era of aircraft and aviation is still taking shape and its evolution will continue for years to come as new opportunities for the use of powered lift are still being discovered. Right now those include urban transport of commuters and other travelers, short-haul air ambulance and cargo operations. There are also some innovative companies developing regional aircraft in this category.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker noted, “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.”

FMI:  www.faa.gov/