Historic Moment for Aviation at NBAA-BACE 2024: The FAA Opens the Door to Air Taxis

Big news came out of the NBAA-BACE 2024 conference in Las Vegas today: the FAA has just finalized its regulations governing the operation of electric-powered lift vehicles, paving the way for air taxis.

This is a total game-changer for the aviation industry and society too. Seeing the regulatory framework finally fall into place feels like the culmination of years of innovation and anticipation. I’ve grown up in the aerospace world… and now get to be a part of it with Goodall Aviation, I can’t wait to witness these electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles becoming a part of everyday life.

Stephen Goodall, of Goodall Aviation said, “For Las Vegas, I see these Air Taxis as the first real world solution for traffic congestion and pollution in our city. These are 100% the way forward and we have to do everything in our power to ensure all legislation is passed to get these airborne in our cities as soon as possible.

What really stood out at this year’s NBAA-BACE was the shift in focus toward sustainability. The emphasis on eco-friendly technologies was evident across the expo hall, and it’s a welcome change. Especially Bombardier- More pics to come tomorrow!

The aerospace sector has always been forward-looking, but this year’s emphasis on reducing the carbon footprint was more than just talk—it was woven into the DNA of the conference - it has always been talked about especially with climate change, fuel consumption pollution, etc… But this is next level. Well done to all the exhibitors for stepping up and embracing the future!

A personal highlight for me was seeing CAE once again. My father worked closely with them and Bombardier for 45 years (hence my life surrounded by aviation), so this company holds a special place in my heart. It’s always a reminder of the generational connections in this industry.

And how could I forget the keynote speaker, Neil deGrasse Tyson? He took the stage to talk about the future of aviation and space, inspiring the audience to think bigger and bolder about what lies ahead. Tyson’s words echoed the larger theme of the conference: We are on the cusp of something revolutionary.

Now- let’s get down to the real nuts and bolts… From a jobs perspective, the FAA’s finalized rules on pilot training and certification for these air taxis are monumental. With the potential for commercial air taxi operations as soon as 2025, the demand for specialized pilots, maintenance technicians, and aerospace engineers will skyrocket.

With the introduction of air taxis and the FAA’s finalized regulations, there’s going to be a surge in demand for new roles and specialized skills. Here’s what job seekers and professionals in the aviation and aerospace industries should focus on:

Key Skills for Upcoming Jobs in Aviation as Air Taxis Take Flight

1. eVTOL Pilot Training and Certification:

• The FAA’s new rules mean pilots will need specialized certifications to operate electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. Current pilots should look into obtaining this new certification.

2. Electric Aircraft Maintenance:

• Electric propulsion systems are different from traditional jet engines. Technicians with knowledge of electric vehicle (EV) maintenance, battery systems, and sustainability technologies will be critical.

3. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Infrastructure Development:

• Engineers and planners will be needed to design, implement, and maintain infrastructure such as vertiports (landing pads for eVTOLs) and charging stations.

4. Aerospace Software Development:

• Autonomous flying technologies and air traffic systems will require advanced software engineering. Developers specializing in aviation systems, AI-driven flight controls, and safety management software will be highly sought after.

5. Sustainability and Green Aviation:

• As air taxis are electric-powered, there will be a focus on sustainability practices. Roles related to reducing emissions, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure will be key.

Emerging Roles in the Air Taxi Industry

1. eVTOL Pilot

• With eVTOLs now regulated, certified pilots will operate these vehicles for urban and short-haul flights, requiring specialized training and hands-on experience.

2. Electric Aircraft Maintenance Technician

• Maintenance professionals will need to be well-versed in electric-powered systems, with a focus on ensuring safety and efficiency in operations.

3. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Planner

• Cities will need experts to design air traffic routes, build vertiports, and integrate air taxis into the existing transportation infrastructure.

4. Aerospace Software Engineer

• Engineers will develop the software for autonomous control, air traffic management, and aircraft-to-ground communication systems.

5. Sustainability Consultant for Air Mobility

• With a growing focus on eco-friendly solutions, sustainability consultants will work with air taxi companies to ensure their operations meet environmental regulations and optimize energy efficiency.

Additional Roles to Consider

• Regulatory Compliance Officer: Ensuring air taxi operations meet FAA and other regulatory standards.

• Safety and Risk Analyst: Evaluating and improving the safety protocols of air taxi operations.

• Customer Experience Manager: Managing the passenger experience from booking to the end of the air taxi flight, ensuring seamless service.

How to Build These Skills

• Certifications and Courses: Stay updated with FAA requirements, and look into specialized certification programs for eVTOL operations, electric vehicle systems, and sustainable aviation.

• Hands-On Experience: Consider internships or training programs with aerospace companies like Joby Aviation, Wisk, or Archer to gain real-world experience in emerging technologies.

• Networking: Engage with professionals in urban air mobility at industry conferences like NBAA-BACE and online forums to stay ahead of the trends.

Tomorrow, I’ll be at the Henderson Executive Airport bright and early, checking out the aircraft display from the likes of Bombardier, Embraer, HondaJet, and Boeing. These are the kinds of moments that remind me why this industry is so important—not just for the technology but for the jobs, the innovation, and the impact we make on the world.

More to come from NBAA-BACE 2024. Stay tuned!

More from the 1st day of NBAA BACE 2024 in Las Vegas