Legislation for new types of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft
Part A: Overview
Context
The emergence of new types of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and associated technologies has the potential to broaden and enhance the reach of civil aviation. The UK Government has set an ambition to see piloted ‘eVTOL’ operations in the UK from 2028 and has established the Future of Flight programme to help deliver this ambition.
Whilst it is possible to operate new types of VTOL aircraft today for testing and demonstration purposes, existing legislation does not always provide for the routine operation of these new aircraft. The CAA, sponsored by the Department for Transport, is identifying the proposed regulatory changes needed to accommodate the safe use of these new types of VTOL aircraft in the UK.
Following our initial consultation and consultation response document on the policy frameworks for new types of VTOL, the CAA is consulting further on the detail of these frameworks – specifically covering Complex-Motor Powered Aircraft (CMPA), continuing airworthiness, pilot licensing and flight operations regulations.
We are aware of the differences across the aviation industry in the use of terms related to these new types of aircraft. For the purpose of these consultations, we use the term new types of VTOL aircraft to describe the types of aircraft we expect to be impacted by these proposals, rather than eVTOL. This recognises that not all aircraft impacted by our proposals will be electric-powered.