FAA Greenlights Archer’s Air Taxi Pilot Academy

Archer Aviation has secured a significant milestone with the FAA granting it Part 141 flight training certification. This approval paves the way for the company to launch its pilot training academy, a crucial step in Archer’s vision for electric air taxis. The company is now able to train and certify pilots in preparation for its commercial operations with the Midnight aircraft, an all-electric, zero-emission air taxi designed for short-range urban air mobility (UAM) routes.

This certification follows the FAA’s final rule on pilot training and operations for powered-lift aircraft, introduced earlier in October. The agency has referred to this rule as the final piece necessary for enabling powered-lift aircraft operations, which could start as soon as next year. Archer’s Midnight aircraft is designed to carry four passengers over distances ranging from 17 to 43 nautical miles, with a cruising speed of up to 130 knots (150 mph). The aircraft aims to compete with ground-based rideshare services like Uber and Lyft by offering efficient and low-cost air transportation.

Archer’s new training academy will be integral to building a pipeline of qualified pilots, ensuring a steady supply of talent to operate the Midnight aircraft. Tom Anderson, the COO of Archer’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) division, expressed optimism about the future of air taxis and emphasized the FAA’s essential role in ensuring the safe integration of these innovative aircraft into national airspace.

In addition to the Part 141 certification, Archer’s subsidiary, Archer Air, also holds FAA Part 135 air carrier and operator certificates and recently obtained its Part 145 certification, allowing it to establish a repair and maintenance facility.

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