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On 22 October, the US’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released regulation for eVTOL aircraft flying in the US, titled “Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes – Final Rule”.
Within this comprehensive regulation, totalling 880 pages, the final rule introduces permanent amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for ten years. The regulation is aimed at facilitating the certification of powered-lift pilots and clarifying operating rules related to powered-lift operations in the United States’ airspace.
It states: “[The SFAR will] facilitate the certification of powered-lift pilots, clarify operating rules applicable to operations involving a powered-lift, and finalize other amendments which are necessary to integrate powered-lift into the National Airspace System”.
Furthermore, it notes that the FAA will establish an alternative framework for certifying pilots and instructors for powered-lift aircraft in respect to specific controls and pilot stations.
The report comments: “the FAA provides clarification for certain operating rules and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules to enable powered-lift operations. In addition to finalizing provisions for powered-lift, this action also makes changes to practical tests in aircraft that require type ratings, including airplanes and helicopters, training center rotorcraft instructor eligibility, training and testing requirements, and training center use of rotorcraft in flight training.”
To put it simply, this means the imminent acceptance of eVTOL aircraft into US airspace. eVTOL will be joining aircraft and helicopters within its own distinct categorisation – an industry first in 80 years. The decision was received well by US and international manufacturers alike as eVTOL aircraft get ready to take to the skies imminently in the next few years. This move by the FAA will open the skies up to a range of eVTOL journeys, including commercial flights, urban taxi transportation, and air medical rescue over urban environments in the US.
FAA Administrator, Mike Whitaker, commented on the SFAR: “The FAA will continue to prioritize the safety of our system as we work to seamlessly integrate innovative technology and operations. This final rule provides the necessary framework to allow powered lift aircraft to safely operate in our airspace.
“Powered lift aircraft are the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years and this historic rule will pave the way for accommodating wide-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations in the future.”
UK industry will now be looking towards the CAA and how the latest ruling by the FAA might influence airspace regulations, and consequently how it can benefit the wider supply chain. Currently, the CAA is working on assessing the aviation risks of disruptive technologies. The speed of acceptance for eVTOL in UK airspace will continue to be a closely watched area by WEAF.
Two years ago, the FAA and CAA jointly stated that the authorities recognised the potential public benefit of eVTOL and AAM aircraft. In aid of the technology developments and operations; the parties agreed to proceed with engagement in several areas including, the facilitation of certification, validation of new eVTOL aircraft, production, continued airworthiness, operations, and personnel licensing.
The joint statement commented: “As these aircraft enter the aviation ecosystem, we must continue to maintain the high safety standards that the public expects. To streamline and expedite integration, this technology should use existing regulatory frameworks on which that strong safety record is founded.”
The statement continued: “Both regulators recognize AAM is a collection of new and emerging technologies in the existing aviation system. Both authorities have a strong history of collaborating in aircraft certification, airspace integration, operations, and infrastructure, which lead to a safer, more sustainable sector.”
Whether there will be harmonisation between the two countries remains to be seen as the airspace of the UK and US respectively are remarkably different in a size, density, and range. However, the new ruling is a reference point for the CAA and WEAF suspects international collaboration will likely continue, even if its on a knowledge-sharing basis only. UK industry players that are developing eVTOL technologies, such as Vertical Aerospace and its VX4 aircraft, will be keen to see such rapid progress for their domestic and export markets respectively.
Vertical commented in September that it continues to work closely with the CAA on expanding its Permit to Fly as it readies for Phase 2 of testing, this will see the VX4 prototype undergo piloted thrust borne flight tests.
There is also the implication of organisations like Joby Aviation seeing the potential in the wider UK and European markets, once their technology takes flight stateside.
For the UK supply chain, this move has the potential to transform the aerospace sector, through the driving of innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing sustainability to Destination Net Zero (see more on the recent ATI Conference here) within the sector.
The previous UK Government made a commitment in this area through the Future of Flight action plan, released in March 2024 and supported by the likes of Vertical. It stated that greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the CAA authorisation process. Adding further that this has been made possible due to rapid advances in battery technology, meaning the aircraft are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distance required.
To ensure the alignment with evolving aviation policies, the UK (and global supply chain) will need to continue to be agile to effectively adapt to new regulations and compliance standards. Moreover, it opens a new market of unlocked potential for companies within the supply chain to explore outside the traditional aerospace route.
Other actions set out in the Future of Flight plan included: the allowance of drones to fly beyond visual line of sight… so that the sector can grow without limiting the skies for other aircraft; breathing life into smaller aerodromes by setting out how they can operate as vertiports for eVTOL aircraft; developing standards to improve security for drones to boost public safety; and engaging communities and local authorities so that they can enjoy the economic and social benefits of these technologies. Whether this is adopted and maintained by the current Labour Government – only time will tell.
The CAA has publicised its outlook and safety and risk plan regarding revolutionary technologies and what this means for the UK aerospace community. This is being developed, and not limited to, Horizon Scanning and engagement with industry to identify risks and ensure expert insight – this will contribute to the enhancement of future flight capabilities and the assessment of aviation risks in the era of disruptive technologies.
What the FAA regulation means for the UK begs the question, is the UK ready for urban taxis to fly overhead? Whilst public buy-in is essential particularly over densely populated areas – does the UK have the airways and routes available to support additional aerospace traffic from a new capability?
Colin Turner, CEO of WEAF, commented: “This ruling by the FAA highlights eVTOL is clearly happening in the United States and flights will take place soon. The UK and Europe won’t be far behind. If the volumes of aircraft start to increase in volume, we don’t want to be left out in terms of being part of the supply base. This news from the States is a future opportunity for our members. WEAF will be watching closely the implications for the UK market and how we can capitalise on this opportunity.”
Connected Places Catapult produced a report in December 2023, “Vertiports: Incidental Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits to Local Communities”. It considered that the main success for AAM is the ground infrastructure and vertiports. The study unearthed the advantages for neighbourhoods and their people, covering improved transport links ensuring accessibility to other jobs further afield; the enablement of reaching other amenities including health services and the utilisation of AAM for emergency services; better environmental outcomes as movement by AAM becomes popular; and lastly, increased business appeal and competition nearer to vertiports.
This demonstrates that the eVTOL market has wider benefits not only to industry but wider society and can stimulate growth throughout the UK. An important consideration as the current Government turns it focus to Place and investing in cities and regions (see here for further details).
The UK should use the latest FAA regulation as a springboard of opportunity for its domestic market to ensure eVTOL capabilities and the supply chain that supports it are positioned well for the emergence of this technology into UK airspace soon.
Please let us know your thoughts on the SFAR by the US FAA and what it means for the UK supply chain.
Sources
The age of the flying taxi draws closer with the Future of Flight action plan – GOV.UK
Preparing for the future | Civil Aviation Authority
About WEAF:
WEAF is the trade association for all companies operating in the Aerospace & Defence sector in the South West.
As one of the largest aerospace and advanced engineering clusters in Europe, we can provide a strong voice for our members, as well as representation and access to prominent regional, national and international decision makers in industry and government.
By providing support and new opportunities for our members, we strive to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain and bring stakeholders together to create one cohesive community.