The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in an unenviable position as it finds itself at opposing lengths with the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry when it comes to the operations and pilot training of flying taxis. With the industry, led by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), having conflicting views, the FAA will have to consider carefully how to introduce new rules. Insight: the conflicting views on powered-lift aircraft.
Monday last week was the last day for public comment on the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) notice of proposed rulemaking, as the FAA progresses towards permanent rulemaking for winged powered-lift eVTOLs. Instead of including them under existing regulations for small airplanes, the FAA opted last year to certify winged eVTOLs as a special category of powered-lift vehicles.
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
