The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a notice to four of its air traffic service units for powered-lift and vertiport terms for operational procedures.
The notice, effective October 1, 2025, states:
“This change to FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, adds the term “powered-lift” to Multiple paragraphs. Additionally, this change removes four Notes pertaining to 14 CFR § 91.119, Minimum Safe Altitudes, replacing and ensuring that applicable references exist. The language pertaining to the V-22 Osprey in paragraph 7-9-4, Separation, will be removed as the V-22 will be designated as a powered-lift aircraft. Additional changes to the Pilot/Controller Glossary (P/CG) and FAA Order JO 7360.1, Aircraft Type Designators, will also be made.
“Aircraft used in urban air mobility (UAM) operations will be certified as either powered-lift aircraft or helicopter/rotorcraft under 14 CFR § 21.17(b). Powered-lift aircraft are aircraft able to take off and land vertically and are able to operate in either vertical lift mode or use a fixed-wing for horizontal flight. Powered-lift aircraft will be able to utilize identified procedures currently only approved for helicopters. The aircraft certification process will inform which designation (helicopter/rotocraft, fixed wing, or powered-lift), will be assigned in FAA Order JO 7360.1, Aircraft Type Designators. The term “tiltrotor” will also be removed from FAA Order JO 7360.1, as all aircraft currently designated as tiltrotor aircraft will be recategorized as powered lift aircraft.”
The notice applies to Air Traffic Services, Mission Support Services, System Operations Services, Safety and
Technical Training, and all associated air traffic facilities.
For more information
Image: Shutterstock