By Andrew J. Hawkins , transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeare

Air taxis and other electric-powered aircraft cleared for takeoff with final FAA rules

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2024-10-22 19:30:04

By Andrew J. Hawkins , transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.

The Federal Aviation Administration published highly anticipated final regulations for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles that it says will chart the path for the “air travel of the future.”

The FAA says these “powered-lift” vehicles will be the first completely new category of aircraft since helicopters were introduced in 1940. These aircraft will be used for a variety of services, including air taxis, cargo delivery, and rescue and retrieval operations. The final rules published today contain guidelines for pilot training as well as operational requirements regarding minimum safe altitudes and visibility.

“Powered lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years,” FAA administrator Mike Whitaker said in a statement. “This historic rule will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility operations in the future.”