FAA Clears Way for Archer Air Taxi Pilot Academy

The move comes months after the agency published a final rule outlining pilot training and operations of powered-lift aircraft. When announcing the special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) in October, the FAA called it the “final piece in the puzzle” for introducing powered-lift aircraft, which could begin flying passengers and cargo as soon as next year.

"With this certificate, Archer can now train and qualify pilots as part of its newly launched training academy, with plans to build a pipeline of pilots in preparation for its planned commercial air taxis services with its Midnight aircraft," the manufacturer said in a statement.

Midnight, Archer's flagship aircraft, is a piloted zero-emission model designed to fly four passengers on 20 to 50 sm (17 to 43 nm) air taxi routes, cruising at up to 150 mph (130 knots). The rapid back-to-back flights are designed to require minimal charge time between flights and be cost competitive with ground-based rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft.

The FAA presented the company with its Part 141 certificate during a ceremony at the Archer test facility in Salinas, California.

"I look forward to seeing the results of this effort in the form of talented pilots who can one day be at the controls of our Midnight aircraft," said Tom Anderson, Archer's chief operating officer for UAM. "The FAA continues to be an invaluable partner as we work together toward the safe entry of air taxis into the national airspace.” 

In June, Archer subsidiary Archer Air received an FAA Part 135 air carrier and operator certificate, and in February 2024 received its Part 145 certification allowing it to operate a repair and maintenance station.