The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a final rule, paving the way for a new type of aircraft – the first such introduction since helicopters were approved in the 1940s. The new type of aircraft is called a “powered lift” and will be used for air taxi services and to deliver cargo.

The new type of aircraft has the characteristics of airplanes and helicopters. It flies like a plane but takes off and lands vertically, like a helicopter.

The rule also addresses operational requirements, including minimum safe altitudes and required visibility. The FAA said this rule is the final piece of the puzzle to safely introduce these planes in the near term.

The agency said it expects many uses for the new type of aircraft, from passenger transport in urban areas and short-haul operations such as air ambulance services and flight operations. freight, to potentially serving small communities over time.

“The FAA will continue to prioritize the safety of our system as we work to seamlessly integrate innovative technology and operations,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “This final rule provides the necessary framework to allow powered aircraft to operate safely in our airspace.”

Cruise at 200 MPH

Publicly announcing the new plane at an event in Las Vegas, Whitaker revealed a full-size model of the powered elevator, designed by Joby Aviation, a California company. The company said the six-rotor craft will cruise at a speed of around 200 MPH. Company officials said they hope to begin using their vehicles next year, but said they are not yet certified to carry passengers.

The FAA said it previously determined it could certify motorized elevators using existing regulations and updated other regulations so air taxis could be used commercially. In 22023, the agency released a plan for the operation of urban air mobility vehicles, which the FAA says is a key element in maturing the overall AAM concept.

The FAA said a new pilot training and qualification rule was needed because existing regulations did not address this new category of aircraft. The rule provides a comprehensive framework for certifying the initial cadre of power propulsion instructors and pilots.

The rule also:

• Made changes to many existing regulations and established a Federal Special Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate the certification and training of instructors and pilots.

• Applies helicopter operating requirements to certain phases of flight and adopts a performance-based approach for certain operating rules.

• Allows pilots to practice powered lift with a single set of flight controls; Existing rules require two flight controls – one for the student and one for the instructor.