2023-11497: Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes

Summary

This action proposes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation for alternate eligibility requirements to safely certificate initial groups of powered-lift pilots, as well as determine which operating rules apply to powered-lift on a temporary basis to enable the FAA to gather additional information and determine the most appropriate permanent rulemaking path for these aircraft. Powered-lift will be type certificated as special class aircraft under the existing regulations. Currently, there is not an established path for civilian pilots to be certificated with a powered-lift category rating. The general and commercial operating regulations do not contemplate operation of powered-lift. In addition to proposed changes for powered-lift, this action also proposes changes that would affect practical tests in aircraft that require type ratings, including airplanes and helicopters, training center rotorcraft instructor eligibility, training, and testing requirements, and training center use of rotorcraft in flight instruction.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 12 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 14 CFR 1 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 14 CFR 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
• 14 CFR 60 Flight Simulation Training Device Initial and Continuing Qualification and Use
• 14 CFR 61 Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
• 14 CFR 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
• 14 CFR 97 Standard Instrument Procedures
• 14 CFR 111 Pilot Records Database
• 14 CFR 135 Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft
• 14 CFR 136 Commercial Air Tours and National Parks Air Tour Management
• 14 CFR 141 Pilot Schools
• 14 CFR 142 Training Centers
• 14 CFR 194 Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 120—Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Training; Operations Requirements