The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have taken a significant step towards integrating air taxis into the US airspace by issuing a final rule on Tuesday, which sets the guidelines for operating these aircraft and training pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration aims to safely introduce these advanced aircraft, which represent a unique category of aviation technology, into the skies alongside traditional airplanes and helicopters.

eVTOL: The aircraft to operate the Air Taxis

An eVTOL, short for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, is a fully electric aircraft designed to take off and land vertically. Unlike conventional airplanes that require a runway, eVTOLs are crafted to lift off straight up, making them highly adaptable for urban environments where runway space is limited. Often referred to as “air taxis,” these vehicles aim to offer a quick, efficient, and traffic-free alternative for short-distance travel within cities, potentially carrying passengers to their destinations in minutes.

While eVTOLs bear a resemblance to helicopters in design and function, they operate more quietly and with a smaller carbon footprint, of course because of its all-electric systems. The reduced noise and increased sustainability make eVTOLs a more attractive option for urban settings. Although eVTOL technology has yet to achieve certification, the industry is advancing rapidly, with leading companies making strides in testing and evaluation to bring this future of transportation to life.

Top eVTOL Companies

Several innovative companies are pioneering eVTOL technology, including:

• General Motors
• Joby Aviation
• BETA Technologies
• Archer Aviation
• Vertical Aerospace
• Eve Air Mobility

Air Taxis: The “Powered-Lift Aircraft”

Mike Whitaker, the head of the FAA, highlighted the nature of this new technology by referring the aircraft as “powered-lift aircraft,” these electric air taxis are a new category altogether—the first since helicopters were introduced nearly 80 years ago. Unlike conventional airplanes, these aircraft are capable of vertical takeoff and landing, resembling helicopters in that respect, but they transition to flight mode similarly to fixed-wing planes.

Many companies are actively developing electric air taxis, but the absence of a regulatory framework has hindered their progress. The FAA’s new rules will now allow companies to push forward, bringing the promise of powered-lift aircraft closer to commercial reality.

Details of the Final Rule of air taxis

The FAA’s priority in creating these regulations is to ensure safety. The framework will oversee the operations of electric air taxis, addressing specific operational and training requirements for this innovative aircraft type. Air taxis are anticipated to be a cleaner alternative to traditional passenger planes, offering an environmentally friendly mode of transportation that minimizes reliance on jet fuel.

However, current technological constraints limit their capacity, meaning these air taxis will likely serve mostly urban areas, transporting passengers and cargo over short distances. Supporters see this development as a game-changer for urban transportation.

The final rule includes several permanent amendments, as well as a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) valid for a decade, to streamline pilot certification, clarify operational requirements, and introduce the necessary adjustments for powered-lift integration into the National Airspace System (NAS).

Key components of this regulation include:

• Certification for powered-lift pilots, using alternative frameworks to train and qualify pilots for operating single-function flight control aircraft.
• Clarified operational rules tailored to powered-lift aircraft, adopting a performance-based approach to enable seamless operation.
• Amendments affecting practical tests for aircraft that require type ratings, such as airplanes and helicopters.
• Revised eligibility criteria for rotorcraft instructor positions in training centers and updates to training and testing requirements.

These provisions are designed to ensure that electric air taxis can be safely integrated into existing air traffic while also setting the stage for the rapid expansion of this technology.

Industry Response

California-based Joby Aviation, one of the leading companies in the electric air taxi sector, welcomed the FAA’s announcement. JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, praised the new rules, stating that they would secure the U.S.’s role in leading the development of clean aviation technology on a global scale.

Several major airlines have already shown interest in incorporating air taxis into their services. Delta Air Lines made headlines in 2022 with a $60 million investment in Joby Aviation. More recently, Toyota invested a substantial $500 million in the company. United Airlines is also placing significant bets on electric air taxis, supporting another California-based manufacturer, Archer Aviation. United has placed an order for 200 aircraft from Archer, potentially valued at $1 billion, with an option to expand the order by another $500 million.