Archer Aviation has received FAA certification to launch its pilot training academy. This certification, referred to as Part 141, is granted to a flight school by the FAA, signifying that it is a formally recognised and regulated institution for pilot training.

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 company has now received the third certificate that is required by the FAA for it to launch air taxi operations when Midnight ultimately receives its type certification. It previously received its Part 135 air carrier and operator certificate from the FAA in June of 2024 and its Part 145 certification prior to that in February of 2024. Part 142 is the fourth and final certificate Archer will be pursuing, for which the application has already begun.

The FAA granted Archer its Part 141 certificate during a ceremony at Archer's flight test facility in Salinas, California. At the ceremony, Archer's chief operating officer of UAM, Tom Anderson, and chief people officer, Tosha Perkins, were joined by Thom Holden, manager of the FAA's San Jose Flight Standards District Office, and David Pease, an FAA aviation safety inspector.

“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. 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,” says COO Anderson.

Archer's goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60 to 90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi flights that are safe, sustainable, low noise and cost-competitive with ground transportation. Archer's Midnight is a piloted, four-passenger aircraft designed to perform rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time between flights.