Rotorcraft are aircraft that generate lift through rotating blades, enabling vertical takeoff, landing, and hovering. The most common type of rotorcraft is the helicopter, but the category also includes gyroplanes and tiltrotors. This discipline covers rotorcraft aerodynamics and flight mechanics, structural design, avionics, operational procedures, and overall flight safety. 

The expertise in this discipline supports the evaluation of innovations in vertical lift technologies, informs FAA policy, and promotes adoption of safety-enhancing requirements and practices within the agency’s regulatory, certification, and oversight programs. This work involves international collaboration with industry, other government agencies, standards development organizations, and academia to advance knowledge and understanding of rotorcraft design, operation, maintenance, and performance. 

Lance Gant is FAA's Chief Scientist and Technical Advisor for Rotorcraft. Mr. Gant can be reached at lance.t.gant@faa.gov.