Insight: the conflicting views on powered-lift aircraft

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.

“The special class process allows the FAA to address the novel features of unique and nonconventional aircraft without the need for additional processes such as special conditions or exemptions that would be required if the FAA used the airworthiness standards already in place. Under the special class process, the FAA designates applicable airworthiness requirements as the certification basis for each aircraft design, including its engines and propellers,” says the SFAR that was released in June. The FAA stressed that it has no intention to establish new requirements for the type certification of powered lift vehicles.