In a significant move for the future of urban air mobility, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially approved regulations allowing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to share U.S. airspace with traditional planes and helicopters. This landmark decision is a major boost for the burgeoning eVTOL industry, particularly for startups like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, which plan to launch their commercial air taxi networks as early as 2025.
On Tuesday, the FAA issued its final ruling on the integration of “powered-lift” vehicles into U.S. airspace, a category the administration revived specifically to accommodate the new generation of eVTOLs. These aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically like helicopters but can transition to forward flight like airplanes, offering a hybrid functionality ideal for urban and short-distance travel.
“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, announcing the ruling during the NBAA-Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas.
New Rules and Pilot Training Guidelines
The FAA’s final ruling doesn’t just greenlight eVTOLs; it also outlines crucial guidelines for pilot training and operational standards. One of the key provisions includes a new type of pilot certification specifically designed for powered-lift aircraft. Operators will also benefit from expanded flexibility in training pilots, with the option to use advanced flight simulation training devices.
The operating rules set out by the FAA are tailored specifically to eVTOL vehicles, allowing these innovative aircraft to switch seamlessly between the rules governing helicopters and airplanes. This adaptability will enable the smooth integration of eVTOLs into the existing airspace while ensuring the safety of operations.
Several leading eVTOL manufacturers, including Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Beta Technologies, and Wisk Aero, have been closely collaborating with the FAA since 2022 to help shape these regulations. These companies are working on building aircraft that will support not only air taxi networks services but also defense, cargo, and medical logistics.
Industry Readiness and Future Prospects
Industry leaders have welcomed the FAA’s ruling, as it aligns with the design and operational goals they’ve been working toward. Greg Bowles, head of government affairs at Joby Aviation, expressed optimism about the decision, stating that it matches Joby’s preparations and future plans. “The way that we’ve designed the operating system, the cockpit we’ve designed, the way we’ve designed for energy reserves, all align with the FAA rule,” Bowles shared in an interview.
Joby Aviation is well on its way to launching its commercial operations. The startup is currently in the fourth of five stages of FAA type certification, which ensures that the design of its aircraft meets safety and airworthiness standards. With a recent $500 million capital boost from Toyota, Joby is positioned to complete its certification process and prepare for commercial takeoff by 2025.
The FAA’s ruling marks a critical step in the integration of eVTOLs into U.S. airspace, setting the stage for a new era of air mobility and air taxi networks. As companies like Joby and Archer prepare for commercial operations, the future of urban transportation could soon take flight.
