What is an aircraft in the powered-lift category? 

It is an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low speed flight. After vertical takeoff, aircraft in the powered-lift category can then fly like an airplane during cruise flight. Powered lift operations include air taxis, cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas.   

Are aircraft in the powered-lift category considered part of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)? 

Yes. AAM is an umbrella term for an air transportation system that moves people and cargo using revolutionary new aircraft. Many aircraft in the powered-lift category will be electric powered Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL).  

Why do we need this rule? 

This is a brand-new kind of aircraft not covered by previous regulations. This rule addresses the unique challenges of introducing a new hybrid category of aircraft, such as training pilots to fly aircraft that have both helicopter and airplane characteristics and operational characteristics unique to aircraft in the powered-lift category. This rule facilitates the certification of powered-lift pilots and instructors and clarifies operating rules for aircraft in the powered-lift category, which are the final steps necessary to integrate them into the National Airspace System (NAS). 

How many comments did the FAA receive on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRPM)? 

The FAA received a variety of responses from 81 different commenters, including aircraft manufacturers and operators, aviation training companies, other aviation companies, trade associations, civil aviation authorities, and individuals.  

When will this rule become effective? 

Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR No. 120) and the updates to existing regulations will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.      

What is a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)? 

An SFAR is an interim rule to address a unique situation. In this case, the SFAR will be in place for 10 years while the FAA gathers data and information through regulatory requirements; regular, formal, and informal interactions with the public and industry (including conferences, data-sharing systems, and outreach initiatives); the Aviation Rulemaking Committee to be established in accordance with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; and informal observations. 

What other steps has the FAA taken to enable powered-lift commercial air service? 

Early on, the FAA determined it can certify aircraft in the powered-lift category using existing regulations pertaining to “special class” aircraft and updated the regulatory definitions of certain air carriers and commercial operations to include powered-lift so those aircraft can be used in commercial operations. Last year, the FAA released a blueprint for how powered-lift initially will operate.  

Does this rule allow scheduled airlines to use aircraft in the powered-lift category? 

No. The Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) permits operations under private, fractional ownership, commuter/on-demand, and air tours.  

Where will powered-lift be able to fly? 

Aircraft in the powered-lift category may fly anywhere where aircraft are allowed to fly today. As with all flights, the aircraft capabilities/equipment and pilot qualifications determine what airspace and locations it may operate in. 

What is a “performance-based” regulation? 

A performance-based regulation specifies the measurable outcome to be achieved without prescribing specific requirements to achieve it. It strengthens the connection between compliance and safety performance and can more readily accommodate rapidly evolving design and manufacturing processes. This reduces the need for special conditions and exemptions and provides the flexibility for new methods of compliance, ultimately allowing more timely and predictable certification schedules. 

Does the new rule use performance-based regulations? 

Yes. For example: aircraft in the powered-lift category that have demonstrated the capability to autorotate or conduct an approved equivalent maneuver may comply with the minimum safe altitudes that apply to helicopters. 

What pilot certificates are required to fly a powered-lift? 

A pilot flying an aircraft in the powered-lift category must hold one of the following certificates: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and type rating for powered-lift category; Commercial Pilot for powered-lift category; Private Pilot for powered-lift category. Additional certificates and ratings include: Instrument Rating – powered-lift; Flight Instructor for powered-lift category; and Flight Instructor Instrument for powered-lift category. 

Which pilots are eligible for the alternate aeronautical experience outlined in Part 194? 

Pilots who hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with the following ratings: (1) an airplane category rating with a single-engine or multi-engine class rating and an instrument-airplane rating; or (2) a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating and an instrument-helicopter rating. 

If no alternate aeronautical experience or logging requirement is provided under this part, the person must meet the applicable requirements under part 61 of this chapter, as appropriate. However, powered-lift cross-country requirements as amended, are applicable outside these eligibility requirements. 

Where will the powered-lift flight instructors come from? 

Certain pilots employed by powered-lift manufacturers may obtain the necessary training and experience through test flights and crew training activities necessary for aircraft certification. They will form the initial cadre of instructors who will then train other instructors at Part 141 pilot schools, Part 142 training centers and Part 135 operators. 

Will the FAA allow training to take place in aircraft in the powered-lift category with single flight controls? 

Yes. This is an important provision of the rule. The FAA provides three options: (1) single flight controls that are accessible by both the student and flight instructor and allow for the instructor to immediately intervene if necessary; (2) expanded use of simulators to allow an applicant to train in a simulator and gain necessary experience solo in the aircraft; and (3) deviation authority for consideration of future technological advancements. 

Are there different classes of aircraft in the powered-lift category? 

No. The FAA recognizes powered lift as a category of aircraft (i.e. airplane, rotorcraft, etc.). Because of the unique characteristics of each aircraft in the powered-lift category (different configurations, unique inceptors, diversified flight controls, distinctive operating characteristics, etc.), the FAA will require individual powered-lift type ratings for pilot certification. 

Has the FAA adopted new noise certification requirements for aircraft in the powered-lift category? 

No. Existing noise regulations will apply to aircraft in the powered-lift category. 

What is a vertiport? 

A piece of land, or a structure, used for aircraft in the powered-lift category landings and takeoffs. It is like a heliport but designed for aircraft in the powered-lift category. 

Does this rule cover unmanned aircraft in the powered-lift category? 

No. This rule only applies to aircraft in the powered-lift category with pilots on-board. 

Does the FAA have enough personnel and resources to oversee powered-lift operations? 

Yes. The FAA recognizes proper allocation of resources to powered-lift operations is critical to its success. Advanced Air Mobility and powered-lift operations are part of the Administrator’s foremost priorities; accordingly, the FAA is allocating resources to ensure that industry has the tools and regulatory structure necessary to successfully begin powered-lift certification and operations.