Powered-Lift Transport Aircraft Certification Criteria Status

The V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, a classical powered-lift aircraft, is likely to spin-off a civil version. The present FAA airworthiness certification standards are not considered to be adequate for these unique aircraft. The FAA has drafted certification criteria and held a public conference to review the draft and to identify certification issues that require further effort to establish correct standards for powered-lift aircraft. Some of those issues and the status of this effort are disclosed.