‘Power-lift’ aircraft category takes off as first new FAA category in 80 years

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA has) officially created a new category for “power-lift” aircraft, marking the first addition to American aircraft classifications since the 1940s.

This move supports the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry, which aims to commercialize air taxis and cargo drones capable of helicopter-style takeoffs and landings combined with fixed-wing horizontal flight.

Power-lift aircraft, like tilt-rotor and tilt-wing models, can transition from vertical lift to horizontal propulsion by shifting the angle of their engines or rotors. The FAA’s new rule will regulate eVTOL design, operation, and pilot training specifically, establishing a framework that avoids the need to fit these innovative vehicles into outdated categories. 

The regulation allows single flight control usage for training, promotes simulator-based pilot testing, and adapts helicopter regulations for certain aspects of eVTOL operation.

Industry players such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation expressed strong support, noting that the new guidelines bring them closer to commercial certification, targeted for 2025. 

“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,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.

The FAA’s stance may soon inspire a global regulatory trend toward eVTOL, though the US and Europe have taken a more cautious approach than China, where commercial eVTOL operations have already begun.

Share this Post:

Accessibility Toolbar