The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken a major step towards a future of flying cars, publishing new regulations that pave the way for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), commonly known as “air taxis,” CNN reports.
The 880-page document outlines specific rules for the operation and certification of these novel aircraft, which combine helicopter-like vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with the speed and efficiency of airplanes. The new regulations mark a significant shift in aviation, creating an entirely new category of aircraft beyond the traditional “rotor” and “fixed wing” types.
“This introduces an entirely new category of aircraft,” declared FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Las Vegas. “For the last 80 years, we’ve had two types – rotor and fixed wing. We now have a third type.”
eVTOLs, like the five-seat, six-rotor design from California-based Joby Aviation, are expected to fly at speeds up to 200 miles per hour with minimal noise pollution. Joby, which hopes to begin commercial operations by 2025, is one of many companies pouring resources into this emerging market.
The FAA’s new rules will establish the operating environment for these aircraft, enabling them to fly from traditional airports as well as dedicated “vertiports” built in urban areas.
“This regulation will create an operating environment,” Whitaker said.
Joby’s CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, hailed the new regulations, emphasizing the significance of the US taking a leadership role in this field.
“The regulation published today will ensure the US continues to play a global leadership role in the development and adoption of clean flight,” Bevirt said in a statement. “Delivering the rules ahead of schedule is testament to the dedication, coordination and hard work of the rulemaking team.”
