FutureFlight
eVTOL Aircraft Developers Remain Concerned Over New FAA Operational Regulations
The U.S. aviation safety agency now says it needs to develop a special federal aviation regulation to facilitate the use of advanced air mobility vehicles in commercial operations and to address pilot training.
Archer is flight testing its Maker technology demonstrator for its planned eVTOL aircraft.
Multiple companies including Archer, seen here flight testing its Maker technology demonstrator, are in a race to complete type certification and get approval for commercial air taxi flights. (Image: Archer)

At least publicly, developers of new eVTOL aircraft have sought to reassure investors that their plans to achieve type certification for the new aircraft remain on track in the wake of the FAA’s recent move to approve aircraft under a 21.17 (b) special class, instead of existing Part 23 rules.  However, executives participating in a panel during Honeywell's Air Mobility Summit this week expressed concern that the U.S. agency still has to address associated operational and training aspects under a to-come special federal aviation regulation (SFAR), as well as international validation issues that may result from the decision to move away from the previously agreed Part 23 framework.

This shift, which was confirmed in May, has prompted some observers to raise fresh questions as to whether ambitious timelines to launch eVTOL air taxi services as early as 2024 or 2025 will be attainable. Several of the eVTOL manufacturers plan to run their own commercial operations while others will deliver vehicles to established operators, including several major airlines.