NEW YORK, USA: U.S. regulators have taken a significant step forward by finalizing regulations for “powered lift” vehicles, paving the way for commercial air taxis.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced these new rules, which apply to aircraft that possess characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. This development comes as various companies are actively exploring cost-effective, electric-powered air transit options.
The newly established regulations address the unique capabilities of powered lift aircraft, which can take off vertically like helicopters and transition to horizontal flight like airplanes. This marks the first time a new category of civilian aircraft has been recognized since helicopters were introduced in the 1940s. The rules set forth pilot qualifications, minimum safe altitudes, and other safety measures, making it possible for powered lift operations to expand beyond air taxis to include innovative cargo delivery methods.
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Startups in the “electric vertical take-off and landing” (eVTOL) sector stand to gain significantly from these regulations, with companies like Supernal, a subsidiary of Hyundai, aiming to launch air taxi services by 2028. Meanwhile, German startup Volocopter hopes to achieve certification for operations in time for future events like the Paris Olympics .
