Powered Lift Pilot Certification Rule Announcement

For the first time since helicopters began flying in the 1940s, a new category of aircraft will soon appear in the skies, referred to as powered-lift aircraft. These aircraft will take off and land like a helicopter, yet move through the skies like an airplane. In October 2024, the FAA finalized a rule for pilot training and qualifications – the last key step needed to get these new types of aircraft flying safely.

[HydroWorldOutlookPrimary]

Thanks for the update. The rules are very thorough and I appreciate all the thought and effort that went into establishing them. I also applaud everyone at the FAA who is making it possible for eVTOLs to safely enter the aviation industry. My only concerns are those pertaining to private pilots seeking to add powered lift ratings to their licenses, as people like me who are homebuilding aircraft (larger than ultralights) that will share similar characteristics to eVTOLs, would like to be crystal-clear on the rules when operating in the National Airspace System (after flight testing phase is completed).

Thank you again in advance for your time, patience, and effort.

[williamschram]

Where can I find the relevant aircraft certification rules or pilot training and qualifications? 14 CFR 21.17(b) implies that sections of parts 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35 apply. Can you provide further guidance on how to certify a powered lift aircraft as an experimental or commercial aircraft? Happy to see progress in this exciting new category!

[mhill]

There is so much focus on commercial pilots for this AAM taxi evtol and pilots but what about the private personal evtols. There are in fact a few companies making evtols for personal ownership. It seems the FAA is completely ignoring or failing to acknowledge this segment. Unless I'm missing something.

[Flutterwhat]

this is super exciting stuff!

but why use AI gen for the b-roll lmaooo

[bowler]

What's with this AI slop, did the government run out of money for creative designers?

[SuprDlux]

This is what you’re spending all the lobby money on from Amazon? Let us freestyle stop ruining our hobby.