The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week released the final regulations for tiltrotors and other vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircra

Flying taxis cleared for takeoff under new US aviation rules

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2024-10-24 04:00:03

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this week released the final regulations for tiltrotors and other vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including electric variants, the first time the org has established a new category of aircraft since it permitted helicopters to fly.

“This final rule addresses regulatory barriers to introducing powered-lift as a new category of aircraft into operations in the NAS [National Airspace System],” explained the FAA.

The FAA's "powered-lift" category refers to aircraft that take off like helicopters but transition to fly like airplanes. This design is expected to be used by air taxis, both for cargo and passenger transport.

“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,” cheered FAA administrator Mike Whitaker.

The rules also govern instructor and pilot qualification and training for the category, as well as operational requirements like minimum safe altitudes and visibility - treating the VTOLs like helicopters during some phases of flight, and applying a performance-based approach for certain operating rules.