At the opening session of NBAA-BACE 2024, the aviation world witnessed a historic moment as the FAA announced the release of its much-anticipated Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the “Integration of Powered Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations.” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, along with newly appointed FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker, shared the news with a packed audience. Whitaker proudly declared, “It’s here today. It is now a final rule,” marking a pivotal step in the future of aviation.
This SFAR lays the regulatory groundwork for the integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a crucial development as these "powered-lift" aircraft prepare to enter U.S. airspace. The FAA emphasized that powered-lift aircraft represent the first new category of civil aircraft since the introduction of helicopters in the 1940s, signaling a significant evolution in aviation.
A New Era in Aviation
Whitaker lauded the swift creation of the regulation, remarking, “I don’t know the last time we went from an idea to a final rule in 16 months—that is lightspeed.” He continued, emphasizing the significance of this milestone: “For years, we’ve only had rotor and fixed-wing aircraft. Now we have a third type. It’s really an extraordinary moment.”
This historic SFAR introduces a performance-based approach to pilot certification and operations, considering the unique characteristics of powered-lift aircraft. Whitaker noted that the new regulation creates a comprehensive ecosystem, enabling the safe integration of eVTOL aircraft into the national airspace while providing the necessary flexibility to accommodate different technological advancements.
Paving the Way for eVTOL Operations
The SFAR’s release comes just in time for U.S. advanced air mobility (AAM) pioneers, including Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, who plan to begin delivering air taxi services in 2025. These companies, along with their partners, are now assessing the operational and training requirements detailed in the SFAR to ensure a smooth path to service entry.
The industry had raised concerns during the consultation period, which closed 14 months ago, about potential roadblocks the regulation could introduce. Notably, manufacturers wanted clarity on issues such as pilot certification, the use of dual controls in flight decks, and the necessary energy reserves for electric aircraft. GAMA and other industry organizations had advocated for a performance-based approach, believing that this would best support the early adoption of AAM technologies.
At Honeywell Aerospace’s AAM Summit, held in Washington, D.C. just weeks before the SFAR’s release, U.S. Department of Transportation acting undersecretary Christopher Coes reassured the industry that the final regulations would be responsive to the feedback received during the consultation period.
Global Competition in Advanced Air Mobility
While U.S. companies work to meet the new SFAR requirements, competition is heating up on the global stage. European regulators, led by EASA, are taking a different approach to certifying eVTOL aircraft, developing Special Condition VTOL regulations to guide type certification. Meanwhile, Joby Aviation hinted that its first air taxi services could begin not in the U.S., but in Dubai by late 2025, as regulators in the UAE are fast-tracking approval for AAM operations.
This international race highlights the importance of regulatory alignment between countries. In its submission to the FAA, NBAA pointed out that the current SFAR requirements may not be fully aligned with existing ICAO standards, potentially complicating the path to international operations.
Industry Response to the SFAR
Despite these challenges, industry leaders have welcomed the SFAR’s release, recognizing it as a vital step toward the future of aviation. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, praised the FAA for delivering the regulation ahead of schedule. “The regulation published today will ensure the U.S. continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight,” he said.
Sergio Cecutta of SMG Consulting echoed this sentiment, noting that the SFAR “takes away the uncertainty in the regulatory path and therefore reduces the certification risk and costs for OEMs.” National Air Transportation Association (NATA) president Curt Castagna also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulators to ensure a smooth rollout of AAM operations.
Looking Ahead
As the SFAR is implemented, powered-lift aircraft developers and operators will work closely with the FAA to ensure compliance with the new rules. The regulation marks a critical waypoint in the journey to commercializing eVTOL technology and unlocking the full potential of AAM.
At NBAA-BACE 2024, the unveiling of the SFAR set the stage for the future of aviation, one that promises to transform how we think about air travel. The journey to integrate powered-lift aircraft is just beginning, but the path forward is now clearer than ever.
As the conference continued, attendees were inspired to dream bigger. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony, reminded everyone to maintain their curiosity and strive for innovation, echoing the forward-thinking spirit that the SFAR represents.