FAA Publishes Draft AC 150/5390-4 on Vertical Flight Infrastructure; Opinion Piece Asks Who Will Be Authorized to Swap eVTOL Batteries
Why It MattersConsolidating heliport and vertiport design guidance into one circular gives eVTOL infrastructure planners a single reference, but unresolved battery-swap authority could shape how ground operations at those sites are staffed.
On October 22, 2026, the FAA published Draft Advisory Circular 150/5390-4, Vertical Flight Aircraft Infrastructure Design. The draft provides standards for the planning, design and construction of takeoff and landing facilities serving vertical flight aircraft, including eVTOL vehicles. It covers touchdown areas, approach surfaces, lighting, rooftop installations and electric charging infrastructure.
Once finalized, the circular will cancel AC 150/5390-2D, Heliport Design (January 5, 2023), and Engineering Brief 105A, Vertiport Design (December 27, 2024). The FAA is seeking industry comment on the draft.
An opinion piece in Commercial UAV News argues that the draft leaves open who may exchange propulsion batteries on passenger eVTOL aircraft. Under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, replacing and servicing batteries is classed as preventive maintenance when no complex assembly is involved. The author notes that an eVTOL propulsion battery, with high-voltage connections, thermal management and monitoring software, is not comparable to a conventional aircraft starter battery. Whether battery exchanges require certificated mechanics (Part 65) or can be done by trained ground crews would depend on each aircraft's maintenance program.
