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

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 225 (Thursday, November 21, 2024)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 92296-92522] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-24886]

[[Page 92295]]

Vol. 89

Thursday,

No. 225

November 21, 2024

Part II

Department of Transportation

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Federal Aviation Administration

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14 CFR Parts 1, 11, 43, et al.

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

Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 225 / Thursday, November 21, 2024 / Rules and Regulations

[[Page 92296]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 1, 11, 43, 60, 61, 91, 97, 111, 135, 136, 141, 142, and 194

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1275; Amdt. Nos. 1-78, 11-69, 43-62, 60-8, 61-157, 91-379, 97-1340, 111-2, 135-147, 136-4, 141-26, 142-11, and 194-1] RIN 2120-AL72

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule adopts permanent amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for a period of ten years to: facilitate the certification of powered-lift pilots, clarify operating rules applicable to operations involving a powered-lift, and finalize other amendments which are necessary to integrate powered-lift into the National Airspace System (NAS). In this final action, the FAA finalizes its alternate framework to stand-up initial groups of powered-lift pilots and flight instructors. Most notably, the FAA adopts alternate frameworks to facilitate the certification of pilots seeking qualifications in a powered-lift with single functioning flight controls and a single pilot station. In response to commenters, the FAA provides clarification for certain operating rules and adopts a performance-based approach to certain operating rules to enable powered-lift operations. In addition to finalizing provisions for powered-lift, this action also makes changes to 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 training.

DATES: This final rule is effective January 21, 2025, except for amendatory instruction 52 which is effective July 21, 2025. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this final rule are approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 21, 2025.

ADDRESSES: For information on where to obtain copies of rulemaking documents and other information related to this final rule, see ``How to Obtain Additional Information'' in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning this action, contact Christina Grabill, AFS-810, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-1100; email [email protected].