Archer Receives FAA Certification To Launch Its Pilot Training Academy

Rhea-AI Summary

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has received FAA Part 141 certification to launch its pilot training academy, marking the third key operational certificate required for launching air taxi operations. This certification allows Archer to formally train and qualify pilots for its planned commercial air taxi services using its Midnight aircraft.

The company previously obtained its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate in June 2024 and Part 145 certification in February 2024. Archer has already begun the application process for Part 142, the fourth and final certificate needed. The Part 141 certificate was granted during a ceremony at Archer's flight test facility in Salinas, CA.

Archer aims to transform urban travel by replacing 60-90-minute car commutes with 10-20-minute electric air taxi flights. The Midnight aircraft is designed as a piloted, four-passenger vehicle capable of performing rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charging time.

Positive

• Received FAA Part 141 certification for pilot training academy
• Obtained 3 out of 4 required FAA certifications for air taxi operations
• Application process for final Part 142 certification already initiated

Negative

• Commercial operations still dependent on pending Type Certification for Midnight aircraft
• Additional regulatory approval (Part 142) still required before full operations can commence

Insights

Aviation Industry Analyst

The FAA Part 141 certification represents a strategic advantage for Archer that goes beyond mere regulatory compliance. By establishing their own pilot training academy, Archer is vertically integrating a critical component of their operations, which addresses several key business challenges:

Strategic Benefits:

• Control over training quality and standardization, important for safety and operational efficiency
• Reduced dependency on third-party training providers, potentially lowering long-term operational costs
• Creation of a dedicated pilot pipeline, essential for scaling operations in a market facing pilot shortages
• Potential additional revenue stream from training programs

With three of four required FAA certifications now secured (Parts 135, 145, and 141), Archer is demonstrating exceptional execution in their regulatory strategy. The pending Part 142 certification, for which application has already begun, would complete their regulatory framework. This methodical approach to certification suggests a well-organized path to commercialization.

The timing is particularly significant as it coincides with the broader development of their Midnight aircraft. By establishing their training infrastructure now, Archer positions themselves to have qualified pilots ready when their aircraft receives Type Certification. This parallel development of operational capabilities and aircraft certification reflects sophisticated program management and could accelerate their time-to-market compared to competitors who might need to develop training programs after aircraft certification.

For investors, this certification has multiple positive implications:

• Reduced execution risk in pilot workforce development
• Enhanced operational control over a critical business component
• Potential competitive advantage in scaling operations
• Demonstration of management's ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements

• Archer received its Part 141 certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• This certificate signifies that a flight school is a formally recognized and regulated by the FAA for pilot training
• Archer can now train and qualify pilots as part of its newly launched pilot training academy with plans to build a pipeline of pilots in preparation for its planned commercial air taxi services
• Archer has now received three key operational certificates required from the FAA for it to be in a position to begin its air taxi operations when Midnight receives its Type Certification

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) 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 recognized and regulated institution for pilot training.

Archer Aviation team members with representatives from the FAA (Photo: Business Wire)

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.

Archer has now received the third certificate required by the FAA for it to launch air taxi operations when Midnight receives its Type Certification. It previously received its Part 135 Air Carrier & Operator Certificate from the FAA in June of 2024 and prior to that, in February of 2024, its Part 145 certification. 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, CA. 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,” said Archer Chief Operating Officer, UAM Tom Anderson.

Archer’s goal is to transform urban travel, replacing 60–90-minute commutes by car with estimated 10–20-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.

About Archer

Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit www.archer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer’s business plans and expectations, including statements regarding the timing of Archer’s development, certification and commercialization of its aircraft and related service offerings. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, available at www.sec.gov. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.

Source: Archer Aviation
Text: ArcherIR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250218055254/en/

Archer Media Contacts

The Brand Amp - Archer@TheBrandAmp.com

Source: Archer Aviation

FAQ

What is the significance of Archer's (ACHR) FAA Part 141 certification?

The Part 141 certification allows Archer to operate a formally recognized pilot training academy and train pilots for its future air taxi operations, representing a important step toward commercial launch.

How many FAA certifications has Archer (ACHR) received for its air taxi operations?

Archer has received three FAA certifications: Part 141 (pilot training), Part 135 (Air Carrier & Operator), and Part 145, with Part 142 being the final pending certification.

What is the expected flight time for Archer's (ACHR) Midnight air taxi service?

Archer's Midnight air taxi service aims to complete 60-90 minute car commutes in just 10-20 minutes using electric aircraft.

What are the passenger capacity and key features of Archer's (ACHR) Midnight aircraft?

The Midnight aircraft is a piloted vehicle that can carry four passengers and is designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charging time between trips.