EASA has introduced a proposed regulatory framework for the operation of drones that it says will also cover crewed “VTOL-capable aircraft (VCA).” Its NPA 2024-01 document, published on February 6, explains how the European air safety agency plans to establish the acceptable means of compliance requirements and guidance materials needed to support the regulatory framework set out in the earlier Opinion No 03/2023 document.
The new document includes amendments developed specifically with the operational requirements for new eVTOL vehicles and other VCAs in mind, and how they will safely use the Single European Sky airspace. It covers multiple aspects of requirements including flight crew training, safety equipment, data recorders, and fuel/energy planning.
In December, EASA published an updated means of compliance for eVTOL manufacturers to achieve type certification for new aircraft under the special conditions VTOL regulations. The deadline for submitting comments on the NPA is May 6, 2024.