EASA Charts Future of Drone, AAM Industry With Proposed Framework

The European regulator released a 58-page proposal to craft rules and regulations for drones and eVTOL aircraft, including air taxis.

Jack Daleo

Friday, September 01, 2023 at 03:44 PM ET

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German manufacturer Volocopter’s VoloCity air taxi is one of many expected to fly at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. [Courtesy: Volocopter]

Key Takeaways:

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) submitted its final "Opinion No 03/2023" to the European Commission, proposing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the certification, operation, and maintenance of emerging aircraft like eVTOL air taxis and drones.
The proposal introduces new terminology such as "Innovative Air Mobility" (IAM) and "VTOL-capable aircraft" (VCA), aiming for an operation-centric, performance-based, and harmonized regulatory environment focused on safety and innovation.
Key provisions include a "bridging solution" for existing commercial pilots to obtain VCA type ratings, requirements for air operator certifications (AOCs), and recommendations for predefined routes in urban settings, with the European Commission now reviewing the framework for potential codification.

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The FAA made a big splash when it unveiled its Innovate28 plan for advanced air mobility (AAM) operations with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at scale by 2028. But while Innovate28 is just that—a plan—the agency’s friend across the Atlantic is already proposing hard requirements for AAM certification, operations, and maintenance.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Thursday shared its final opinion on rules and regulations for eVTOL air taxis, drones, and other emerging aircraft with the European Commission. Now, the ball is in the Commission’s court as it determines whether to accept EASA’s policy recommendations.