The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it had changed course on authorizing pilots for the generation of electric vertical pull off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) but doesn't expect to delay the certification and gain operation approvals.

The eVTOL planes have been dubbed "air taxis" and the next revolution in urban air mobility.  As various eVTOL businesses have gone public, the moderate urban air mobility plane has sparked a lot of interest throughout the world.

In a statement, the FAA said it will prepare a predictable structure that would help adapt to the necessity to educate and license the pilots who would also operate these innovative aircraft. Special circumstances and exclusions will no longer be required, the FAA noted.

The aviation regulatory body stated it was changing its regulatory regime because provisions designed for traditional airplanes and helicopters did not foresee the question to train pilots to function in powered-lift aircraft that would take off in helicopter configuration, transition to airplane mode for flying, and then return to helicopter mode for landing.

However, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), which is led by Pete Bunce, believes the FAA decision is incorrect and states that it is harmful to public safety and significantly increases the FAA's burden.

Many eVTOL firms are backed by huge corporations or airlines. For instance, Joby Aviation is supported by Toyota Motor Corp., Archer Aviation is funded by Stellantis N.V., United Airlines, and Vertical Aerospace, which is based in Bristol, is backed by Honeywell International Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc.

The FAA explained its procedure for certifying airplanes remains intact. Current applicants' development work is still valid, and the modifications in the guidelines should not cause their projects to be delayed.

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https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2022-05-10/u-s-faa-shifts-gears-on-certifying-future-flying-taxi-pilots