On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it had issued a final rule for the qualifications and training instructors and pilots need for “powered lift” aircraft, which will be the first completely new category of civil aircraft since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s.
The powered lift aircraft have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. The new rule addresses operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility. Officials said the rule is the last piece of the puzzle for safely introducing the aircraft in the near future.
“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,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. “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.”
Previously, the FAA determined it could certify powered-lift aircraft using existing regulation, but changed its direction when it released a blueprint for how Urban Air Mobility vehicles could operate. Powered lift aircraft have the potential to transport passengers in urban areas and to be used in short-haul operations like air ambulances and cargo operations in smaller communities.
The new pilot training and qualifications were needed, the FAA said, because existing regulations did not address the new category of aircraft that can take off and land vertically, as well as fly like an airplane during cruise flight. The new rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying powered-lift instructors and pilots.