FAA unveils historic rule for powered lift operations in the US
Rule is vital for future AAM operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken a significant step toward revolutionising air travel in the United States by announcing new regulations for powered lift operations. This marks the introduction of the first entirely new category of civil aircraft since the 1940s when helicopters emerged.
This historic rule is essential for future wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the US.
Aviation regulators worldwide, including in the Middle East, are closely monitoring the move. These bodies grapple with regulating AAM operations and typically rely on the FAA for guidance.
Powered lift aircraft, which combine the capabilities of aeroplanes and helicopters, will facilitate various operations, including air taxis and cargo delivery, in urban and rural environments across the US.
The FAA issued a final rule on October 22, 2024, detailing the qualifications and training requirements for instructors and pilots operating these innovative aircraft. The regulations also establish crucial operational parameters such as minimum safe altitudes and visibility requirements, paving the way for the safe integration of powered lift operations into the national airspace.
Safety aspect
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasised the importance of safety: “The FAA will continue to prioritise the safety of our system as we integrate innovative technology and operations seamlessly. This final rule provides the framework to allow powered lift aircraft to operate safely in our [US] airspace.”
The US agency had previously indicated that it could certify powered lift aircraft using existing regulations. To support this, the FAA has also updated rules to enable commercial use of air taxis. Last year, the agency released a blueprint outlining how Urban Air Mobility vehicles would operate, which is crucial for the evolution of the overall AAM concept.
A fresh set of training and qualification rules was imperative to effectively train pilots for this new aircraft category, as existing regulations did not cover powered lift operations. The newly established framework will certify the first wave of powered-lift instructors and pilots, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the unique challenges of this mode of flight.
The new FAA rule introduces a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that outlines new requirements for US instructor and pilot certification and training. Certain phases of powered lift flight will adhere to helicopter operating standards, providing a familiar regulatory structure for training.
Pilots in the US can now train using a single set of flight controls, diverging from legacy regulations that mandated two sets—one for the student and one for the instructor.
The introduction of powered lift aircraft in the US is expected to create numerous opportunities, from urban passenger transport to emergency air ambulance services and cargo delivery. Over time, these operations could extend service to smaller communities, significantly transforming the air travel landscape, said the FAA in a statement.
Middle East News 247 is a Media Partner of the Dubai Helishow 2024.
Featured image: Introducing powered lift aircraft in the US will create numerous opportunities. Credit: FAA
Last Updated on 2 months by Arnold Pinto
