The era of transportation via electric flying vehicles has officially begun. The Federal Aviation Administration has introduced regulations for the sector
The Era of Electric Flying Vehicles Officially Begins in the USA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially established new regulations for training and certifying pilots of “powered lift” vehicles. This new category of aircraft marks the first major advancement since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. Powered lifts are vehicles capable of vertical take-off and landing like a helicopter, but with the ability to fly forward like an airplane. They are expected to become essential for transportation in both urban and rural areas, with potential applications ranging from flying taxis to cargo drones.
The new regulations introduce a range of operational requirements, including minimum altitude and visibility standards, as well as training qualifications and skills required for instructors and pilots in this innovative category. “The FAA will continue to prioritize safety as we integrate new technologies,” stated the agency’s new administrator, Mike Whitaker. “This historic regulation is a crucial step toward enabling large-scale Advanced Air Mobility operations in the future.”
What the New Regulations for Flying Electric Vehicles Entail
Along with setting pilot qualifications for powered lift vehicles, the FAA has introduced a special training regulation, simplifying some previous rules to accommodate the specific needs of these vehicles. One of the key updates includes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for licensing powered lift instructors and pilots.
For “air code” requirements, certain phases of powered lift flight will adhere to operational rules for helicopters, while others will follow a performance-based approach.
Unlike traditional aircraft, powered lift pilots can train using a single set of controls, no longer requiring dual controls for instructor and student. Last year, the FAA had already outlined a strategic roadmap for urban air mobility vehicle operations. With these new regulations, the FAA has completed the framework for regulated implementation, paving the way for the growth of short-distance air transport in the near future.
