Definition

A powered lift aircraft is one that is capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low speed flight. Powered lift is a new category of aircraft established by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These aircraft have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. Applications for use include air taxi, cargo delivery, air ambulance, and a variety of operation within rural and urban areas.

Background

Powered lift represents the first new category of civil aircraft established by the FAA since helicopters were introduced during the 1940s. FAA said these aircraft, which are considered part of advanced air mobility (AAM), are "typically highly automated, electrically powered, and have vertical takeoff and landing capability."