FAA Clears eVTOL Certification Path with Rules for Powered-lift Aircraft | Aviation International News

Regulations and Government

FAA Clears eVTOL Certification Path with Powered-lift Rules

Frontrunners Joby, Archer, and Beta have all welcomed the recent publication of a new advisory circular

Beta Technologies Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft — Beta Technologies has extensively tested a prototype of its Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft, including the transition from vertical to horizontal cruise flight.

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

August 1, 2025

The FAA’s new advisory circular covering type, production, and airworthiness certification of powered-lift aircraft (AC 21.17-4) has been widely welcomed among companies aiming to launch new eVTOL vehicles. Released on July 18, the document landed more than halfway into the year in which several of the advanced air mobility sector’s frontrunners have been aiming to complete U.S. certification, ending several years of uncertainty around the regulatory landscape.

While the agency’s long-awaited initiative doesn’t guarantee certifications will now be completed in short order, it does at least appear to clear a path to the finish line for what is set to be the first new class of aircraft since the first half of the 20th century. It applies to powered-lift, battery-electric aircraft being certified under Part 21.17 (b) rules weighing no more than 12,500 pounds and carrying six or fewer passengers.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Become a Member

Already a member? Sign In

Beta Technologies

Joby Aviation

Archer Aviation

AINsight: How To Use AI When Buying an Aircraft

Use AI cautiously and assess its output

Regulations and Government

abstract image of business jet

African Bizav Strives for Greater Market Opportunity

Industry group presses for regulatory progress and continuity across the continent

Regulations and Government

African Business Aviation Association

FAA Proposes Easing Medical Approvals for Diabetic Pilots

Rule would not apply to insulin-treated diabetes

Regulations and Government

A patient sit's at a doctor's desk while she reviews information on paper in front of her

Congress OKs Stopgap Government Funding Measure

Move averts potential shutdown

Regulations and Government

US Capitol rotunda

Longtime Bizav Attorney Gary Garofalo Flies West

His career spanned more than five and a half decades

Regulations and Government

Garofalo

New Treasury Rule Limits LLC Information Reporting

The revision relaxes some provisions of the Corporate Transparency Act

Regulations and Government

Business jet taking off

Nancy Kassebaum, Architect of GA Product Liability Reform, Dies

Kassebaum pushed through the General Aviation Revitalization Act

Regulations and Government

The late former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum

Nav Canada Increases ATC Service Charges

Increased fees are to recover pandemic shortfall

Regulations and Government

Article preview image