WASHINGTON - In a major jump into the era of eVTOL air taxis and multicopter cargo drones, the US FAA has issued new regulations that introduce the first new aircraft category, called "power-lift" aircraft, since modern helicopters were introduced in the 1940s, David Szondy writes for New Atlas. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
31 October 2024 - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designation of "power-lift" aircraft describes them as "a heavier-than-air aircraft capable of vertical take-off, vertical landing, and low-speed flight, which depends principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for the lift during these flight regimes and on non-rotating aerofoils for lift during horizontal flight."
Certifications of powered-lift aircraft will be as a special class under § 21.17(b), which allows the FAA to address their unique features without special conditions or exemptions. Since powered-lift aircraft have myriad configurations and are still in development, the agency did not establish specific classes.
The final rule includes pathways for flight training in eVTOL aircraft with a single set of controls. These include using throwover controls for both student and instructor, conducting training in approved simulators, and allowing the FAA to issue deviation authority based on future technological advancements.
Related: FAA issues final rule for pilot training and certification of powered-lift aircraft
Related: Airbus debuts its CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL
Related: Archer’s Midnight eVTOL plane aces transition flight with 100+ mph speed
Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
