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I was looking at the difference between rotorcraft and powered-lift and every example I saw was a military application (Osprey or Harrier or F35)

The FAA defines powered-lift:

Powered-lift means a heavier-than-air aircraft capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low speed flight that depends principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for lift during these flight regimes and on nonrotating airfoil(s) for lift during horizontal flight.

I was wondering if there were any small, personal powered-lift aircraft that one might get their private pilot license in the way people get a ASEL certificate in a 172.

I know there is the AW609, but that is targeted towards the business market with a very specific niche.

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    $\begingroup$ The Harrier has some private owners and could be considered a "small" powered lift aircraft. The issue I see though is that powered lift is somewhere between a helicopter and an airplane, and is probably not the best choice of aircraft for primary training. $\endgroup$
    – Ron Beyer
    Commented Sep 7, 2016 at 20:15

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I suppose some kinds of roadable aircraft aka 'flying car' designs would qualify under the powered lift category. One example which nearly escaped the prototype stage was the Moeller SkyCar.

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But beyond the Agusta AW609, I cannot think of any other powered lift category aircraft which are, or may be soon, available for sale to the general public.

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    $\begingroup$ The first Powered Lift pilot certificates were awarded to V-22 Osprey test pilots in 1997, I'm not sure if the certificate applies to experimental category aircraft though. The only reference I can find about it in the FAR's (61.163) applies to ATP and commercial certificates. $\endgroup$
    – Ron Beyer
    Commented Sep 7, 2016 at 21:14
  • $\begingroup$ Interesting. I think the V-22 Osprey is such a neat design, it makes sense that it required a whole new class of certificates. $\endgroup$
    – Canuk
    Commented Sep 7, 2016 at 21:51
  • $\begingroup$ Looks like the Terrafugia TF-X (looks like it's currently in dream phase) might be in this class. (terrafugia.com/tf-x) $\endgroup$
    – Canuk
    Commented Sep 7, 2016 at 21:52
  • $\begingroup$ Moller is still around and still working on prototypes, though whether they can bring something to market is questionable. $\endgroup$
    – Michael Hampton
    Commented Sep 7, 2016 at 23:03

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