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:

EASA has submitted a comprehensive regulatory framework ("Opinion No 03/2023") to the European Commission for the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft, including eVTOLs (termed "VTOL-Capable Aircraft") and drones, into European airspace.
The proposal outlines "hard requirements" for certification, continuing airworthiness, pilot licensing (with a bridging solution for existing pilots), air operator certifications, and operational rules like predefined routes for urban environments.
Contrasting with the FAA's plan-based approach, EASA aims to accelerate innovation, promote public acceptance, and harmonize regulations across member states with an operation-centric, performance-based framework.
The European Commission is currently reviewing the extensive proposal, with potential time pressure to codify it before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where initial electric air taxi demonstrations are anticipated.

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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.