FAA To Add Powered-lift Aircraft to Air Carrier Category

The FAA has issued a notice of proposed amendment to prepare the way for eVTOL air taxi services with commercial carriers including United Airlines.

Archer's four-passenger Midnight eVTOL aircraft is among the new powered-lift aircraft that the FAA is now seeking to include in its regulatory framework for commercial operations. (Photo: Archer Aviation)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

November 22, 2022

The FAA is proposing changes to its definitions covering air carriers to create scope for including new powered-lift aircraft such as eVTOL models in existing operational rules. On November 21, the agency issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) covering changes allowing it to determine on what terms powered-lift aircraft that can’t be categorized as airplanes or rotorcraft could be regulated for air carrier operations, including scheduled airline services and on-demand charter.

According to the FAA, the revised definitions represent “an important step toward making commercial air taxi operations a reality,” and it will allow 60 days for industry comments after the NRPM appears in the Federal Register. “This powered-lift definitions rule lays that foundation that will allow operators to use powered-lift aircraft,” the agency said. “This is important because our regulations have to cover powered-lift aircraft for them to be able to operate commercially.”

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