The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially released its proposal for new regulations governing the operation of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. These regulations encompass a wide range of aspects, including operations, flight crew licensing, rules of the air, and air traffic management for crewed air taxis capable of VTOL. The proposal also outlines criteria and processes for the certification and maintenance of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones).
EASA's Executive Director, Patrick Ky, expressed his satisfaction with the proposal, stating, "I am happy to release this Opinion to the European Commission, which is once again the first proposal on this topic to be issued worldwide. With this, we will achieve a harmonized regulatory framework to ensure the safe, sustainable, and secure introduction of VTOL operations."
Ky emphasized that while this opinion represents a significant step, it is not the final approval for VTOL and air taxi services. Manufacturers and operators will still need to obtain the necessary approvals to comply with these regulations. EASA's efforts aim to create a regulatory framework that will facilitate the launch of VTOL and air taxi services in Europe, aligning with ongoing developments in the aviation industry.
