Vertiport Stakeholder Working Group (VSWG): Participation Application

Overview

The Future of Flight Action Plan aims to enable the demonstration of piloted eVTOL flights in the UK in 2026 as a first step to scaled operations and a sustainable industry.

To achieve initial, scaled, and sustainable operations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) has determined that a number of Implementing Rules (IR), Approved Means of Compliance (AMC), Guidance Material (GM) and other documents need to be considered to enable safe operations VTOL Capable Aircraft (VCA).

To assist with this, a working group comprised of stakeholders and representatives from industry is being established to support the CAA policy teams and other subject matter experts tasked with developing policy and regulation pertaining to vertiports established at a location other than an existing licensed or certificated aerodrome. The project comprises 4 key elements when developing this new style of aerodrome including vertiport design, obstacle limitation surfaces/ volume, visual aids and rescue and firefighting services (RFFS). Other areas of discussions will include vertiport licencing, Safety Management Systems (SMS) and emergency planning/emergency orders.

As part of this process, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is committed to ensuring that needs and expectations of stakeholders are considered with the development and implementation of bespoke vertiports, maintaining a high standard of safety while continuing to promote efficiency and innovation in aerodrome development and operations for VTOL Capable Aircraft (VCAs).

To do this, we are establishing the Vertiport Stakeholder Working Group (VSWG) to facilitate engagement, discussion, and collaboration between the CAA and industry stakeholders.
The CAA invites stakeholders to register their interest in one (or more) areas:

• VCA Manufacturers/OEMs,
• Future VCA operators or other AOC holders, professional pilots, or other service providers and professional associations,
• Vertiport designers, operators, or other aviation professionals with relevant expertise in aerodrome design, operations, and regulation,
• Safety experts or other aviation professionals with relevant expertise in aerodrome operations and regulations (including RFFS),
• Any stakeholder with a legitimate interest in vertiport design and operations, who would like to participate in this rulemaking programme.

This application process is designed to ensure that the VSWG is comprised of a fair and inclusive balance of stakeholders. The CAA shall invite potential stakeholders to participate in the VSWG based on their individual expertise, experience, and ability to contribute constructively to the objectives of the group. The selection process will apply transparent selection criteria which aim for a balanced representation of stakeholders, ensuring diversity and inclusivity. If we receive large numbers of applications of equal merit that exceed places available, then the decision panel will use applicants’ personal statements to make a final decision.

The VSWG will only accept applications from individuals, or individuals acting as a representative of their respective organisation(s). We are unable to accept applications from organisations as an entity.

What happens next

After the application process closes, should the working group lack specific and unique expertise not already represented in the VSWG, then the CAA reserves the right to accept individual applications from stakeholders who possess the necessary expertise.

The applications will be considered by existing members of the VSWG for them to consider their appropriateness. The CAA reserves the right to make any final decision(s).