Archer receives FAA certification for its pilot training academy
US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Archer Aviation (Archer), has received a Part 141 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch its pilot training academy.
With this certificate, the company will now be able to train and qualify pilots, building a strong pipeline of qualified personnel ahead of its planned launch of commercial air taxi operations.
To date, Archer has obtained three certificates from the FAA. In addition to the latest certificate, the company received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate in June 2024 and its Part 145 certification in February 2024.
It has already started the application process to obtain Part 142–the fourth and final certificate–to officially launch the commercial operations of is Midnight aircraft.
“Thanks to the hard work of the Archer team and the FAA, Archer now has its Part 141 certificate in hand—yet another step towards our commercial launch,” said Tom Anderson, Archer’s Chief Operating Officer, UAM.
“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. The FAA continues to be an invaluable partner as we work together toward the safe entry of air taxis into the national airspace.”
Archer’s Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft that is designed to cut travel times significantly. The aircraft can perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.
The company aims to launch commercial operations in the UAE by the end of 2025.
In December 2024, it signed a multi-party collaboration agreement with key UAE entities to accelerate the launch of air taxis in the region.
Additionally, last year, Archer partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to develop and scale a comprehensive air taxi ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
The company has also partnered with the leading aviation services provider, Etihad Aviation Services, to recruit and train pilots for its Midnight eVTOL.