The United States is one step closer to potentially allowing passenger planes that take off on their own.
On Tuesday, the FAA proposed new certification rules for Embraer’s E195-E2 jet with an automated takeoff system.
The system is designed to kick on automatically at the beginning of the plane’s takeoff roll.
When the system is engaged, the airplane control pitch, takeoff rotation maneuver, and initial climb-out are all performed automatically, without any intervention from pilots.
The goal of the system is to improve takeoff performance and operational safety.
Embraer first applied for FAA certification of its plane with automated takeoff in late 2021.
Now, the FAA has categorized the new system, which is formally called the Embraer Enhanced Takeoff System, as a “novel or unusual design feature” that is outside the typical airworthiness standards for transport airplanes.
“The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature,” the FAA said.
Therefore, the system needs new safety standards to be certified and deemed airworthy.
The FAA’s new proposed rules for certifying the aircraft have been added to the Federal Register and include changes to the standard maximum deviations in rotation speed and takeoff distance.
The public can submit comments to the Federal Register on the proposed certification changes through November 27.
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