Federal regulatory update creates first new class of aircraft in 80 years, sets the stage for future of passenger and cargo transport

Powered lift includes aircraft described by industry watchers as electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL. Using tilt rotors, eVTOL aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and then transition into forward flight on fixed wings like a plane.

On Tuesday, the FAA issued a final rule for the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in this “powered-lift” category. The rule also addresses their