FAA Add eVTOLs to Commercial Carrier Definitions

“This proposed rule would add powered-lift to these definitions to ensure the appropriate sets of rules apply to air carriers’ and certain commercial operators’ operations of aircraft that FAA regulations define as powered-lift. The FAA also proposes to update certain basic requirements that apply to air carrier oversight, such as the contents of operations specifications and the qualifications applicable to certain management personnel…. This proposed rule is an important step in the FAA’s integration of new entrant aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS),” says the draft NPRM.

The change may make it easier for eVTOLs to get certification, and will help the FAA to establish the appropriate regulatory framework. “Application of the appropriate set of rules for powered-lift in a range of certificate holders’ operations would serve as both a risk mitigation measure and a framework for FAA oversight, as necessary to achieve the requisite level of safety,”…