FAA Struggles with eVTOL Certification and ATC Staffing Shortages, Audit Reveals

An audit report from the US Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General reveals that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faced significant internal debates over the certification pathway for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, hindering its progress in deciding on a certification pathway for winged eVTOL aircraft. The FAA's dispute was finally resolved in April 2022, but auditors said the agency will likely continue to face challenges as it progresses through the certification process for advanced air mobility aircraft.