The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published its Delivery Model which sets out the CAA’s approach to establishing a regulatory framework enabling safe commercial eVTOL operations, with a pilot on board.
The UK government has a clear objective to see commercial eVTOL flights from 2028; by end-2028 the CAA plans to have in place a clear regulatory framework and operational systems that allow initial commercial passenger eVTOL flights in the UK.
The following is an edited version of the text.
In terms of type certification the CAA has adopted a UK version of SC-VTOL and put in place Environmental Protection requirements. Further actions include new and amended legislation to create the ruleset; new and updated Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material; and updated CAA operational systems, including business processes and tools, to ensure that when applicants apply for licences or submit safety reports, eVTOL operations are appropriately considered
In terms of airworthiness the CAA is working to harmonise certification standards over time in partnership with the NAA Network and publishing a harmonisation Roadmap and is proposing to treat novel eVTOL aircraft types as Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft (CMPA) as default, “but intend to establish flexibility to allow the CAA to have a discretion over how an aircraft is classified in certain circumstances…We intend to submit regulations for engineer licensing associated with electrical power plants in a 2026 SI.”
Commercial operations will require a pilot to have a Commercial/Airline Transport Pilot licence and a type rating for the specific aircraft they intend to operate.
The CAA will amend the Aerodrome certification requirements to encompass the anticipated types of commercial operations in line with helicopters. “We will review the design, marking and lighting requirements for new and existing infrastructure….We will ensure IFR infrastructure is in place for Powered Lift to assist with approach and departures.”
“VTOL that can both fly on the wing and take-off & land vertically will be classed as ‘Powered Lift’… In addition to time-based rules, we will be open to alternative performance-based means to make final reserve fuel requirements tailored to the route being flown, subject to equivalent safety level being maintained.”
“We intend to allow Day and Night VFR and IFR commercial operations from the outset, subject to aircraft capability and pilot ratings.
“By default we will not allow recharging with passengers on board but will allow operators to submit a risk assessment and mitigation plan for approval.”
In terms of ATM, eVTOLs will be certified to safely operate in accordance with the current airspace and ATM system. “The CAA Airspace Modernisation programme is considering all aspects of future Airspace Policy and Airspace Management in the lower levels of airspace….We anticipate that integration of these diverse airspace users will be enabled by new operational concepts, technologies and importantly the digitisation of the ATM system.”
The CAA will continue to work with industry through the various working groups to understand their needs and to define rulemaking plans for beyond 2028, if required. If required, a rulemaking roadmap will be developed to be transparent on the key items that will be included and the timelines for their implementation. Areas of work we expect to take forward and put in place beyond 2030:
- Air Traffic Management: We expect existing ATM and ATC approaches can cater for early volumes of eVTOL. But beyond 2030 we expect to rely on system technology developments to enable higher traffic volumes of AAM aircraft, including eVTOL.
- We will consider the development of an eVTOL Certification Specification once we have completed type certification or validation on a number of projects, and the technology variations have stabilised.
- Unlicensed aerodromes: we will consider enabling operations into unlicensed aerodromes, as we learn more about aircraft being used and types of operations performed.
- Hybrid and non-electric fuel: We have seen rapid developments in fuel sources and types of propulsion used by eVTOL. We will work with the industry to enable their deployment as the technology matures.
- Ab initio training: Flying an eVTOL aircraft commercially will initially require a pilot to hold a commercial pilot licence (helicopter or aeroplane) and secure a type-rating specific to the aircraft to be flown. Ab Initio routes will require collaboration through ICAO and, if feasible, may be considered beyond 2030.
For more information
https://www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/25923