A new UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) consultation is seeking views on the regulatory changes needed to enable new types of commercial VTOL operations to take place by 2028. The consultation includes proposals on the regulatory frameworks for pilot licensing, landing sites and aerodromes, airworthiness and flight operations.
Overall, the proposals aim to utilise existing aviation regulations as far as possible, helping VTOL aircraft to successfully integrate into the aviation system while ensuring compatibility with international rules.
Some of the top-level proposals in the consultation include classifying VTOL aircraft as either ‘Powered-Lift’ or ‘Non-Conventional Helicopters’; developing a pilot licensing framework based on existing requirements, including an option for a private pilot licence for non-commercial flying; putting in place operational rules for commercial flying, using existing helicopter and aeroplane requirements as far as is possible; and adapting rules for landing sites and aerodromes where required for the differences in VTOL aircraft. The CAA also proposes to allow operations from unlicensed aerodromes if the operator has permission to do so.
The consultation is now available on the CAA’s website and is open until 29 January 2026.
Following feedback on this consultation, the CAA will issue further consultations on the detailed regulatory wording and associated guidance next year and submit its recommendations for legislative change to the government.
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