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, outlining hard requirements for the certification, operations, and maintenance of eVTOL-capable aircraft (VCA) and drones within "Innovative Air Mobility" (IAM).
The framework introduces new terminology, detailed processes for type certification and continuing airworthiness, and comprehensive operational rules, including a "bridging solution" for existing pilots to acquire VCA type ratings and requirements for predefined urban flight routes.
The proposal aims to ensure safety, promote widespread adoption, and harmonize regulations across EU member states, and is considered the final regulatory piece needed to enable the launch of air taxi services, with the European Commission now reviewing it for 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.