FAA Finalizes Rules for Air Taxi Pilot Training

By David Shepardson

(Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday finalized comprehensive training and pilot certification rules for flying air taxis, addressing a key hurdle to the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The FAA called the rule "the final piece in the puzzle for safely introducing these aircraft in the near term." Some companies hope to begin commercial passenger flights as soon as 2025.

Low-altitude urban eVTOLs have garnered global interest, with companies like Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) and Archer Aviation going public. Joby's shares rose 7% and Archer's 3% on Tuesday.

The FAA stated, "The opportunities for powered lift operations are far-reaching, from transporting passengers in urban areas, short-haul air ambulance services, to serving smaller communities over time."

Airlines are exploring battery-powered, vertical takeoff aircraft to offer short city trips and airport transport, helping travelers avoid traffic.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the regulation's flexibility at a Las Vegas conference, highlighting a performance-based approach for new technology safety considerations.

Former acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen, now chief safety officer at Archer, described the announcement as a major milestone for air taxi deployment: "Now we've got a roadmap," he said.

Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt noted that the rule positions the U.S. as a global leader in clean flight development and adoption.

The FAA indicated that air taxi operations will start at a low rate, akin to helicopters, utilizing existing routes and infrastructure like helipads and vertiports.

A significant change in the rule allows pilots to train with a single set of flight controls, whereas previous regulations required dual controls for student and instructor.

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) has invested $60 million in a partnership with Joby to provide air taxi transport between airports in New York and Los Angeles in the near future. Recently, Toyota (NYSE:TM) invested $500 million in Joby.