FAA Unveils Final Rule for Powered-Lift Aircraft Certification at NBAA-BACE Event
Key Ideas
  • FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker announced the finalization of the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for powered-lift aircraft at the NBAA-BACE event in Las Vegas.
  • The SFAR includes initial operational rules and pilot training requirements for powered-lift aircraft, which are capable of vertical takeoff like helicopters but cruise on fixed wings like airplanes.
  • The new rules aim to create an operating environment that allows companies developing electric, hydrogen, or hybrid-powered aircraft to train pilots and operate safely, with a focus on performance-based operational rules instead of strict guidelines.
  • The FAA's approach mirrors the EASA's rules for VTOL aircraft, providing flexibility for aircraft design and operations to adapt to different situations and ensure safety while allowing businesses to thrive.
The FAA has announced the publication of a final rule, Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), for powered-lift aircraft at the NBAA-BACE event in Las Vegas. Powered-lift aircraft are a unique class that can take off vertically like helicopters and cruise on fixed wings like airplanes, relying primarily on engines—electric, hydrogen, or hybrid-powered—for lift. The SFAR contains operational rules and pilot training requirements for this new generation of aircraft. The FAA's focus is on performance-based operational rules to ensure safety and allow companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation to innovate while meeting industry standards. The new rules are designed to create an environment where companies can train pilots and operate safely, adapting to different situations and proving their ability to meet specific performance metrics. This approach aligns with the EASA's rules for VTOL aircraft, providing flexibility in aircraft design and operations to support the growth of the aviation industry.
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