The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has unveiled proposed rules for the safe operation of Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (VTOL), which encompass air taxis. This significant development paves the way for the deployment of innovative VTOL aircraft in urban environments across Europe. The proposed rules presented in this Opinion include a wide range of operational requirements tailored to piloted electric air taxis. These requirements encompass aspects such as operational procedures, flight crew licensing, rules of the air, and air traffic management, all of which are essential for ensuring the safe operation of VTOL aircraft.
Additionally, the regulations set out clear criteria and processes for certifying and maintaining drones, an integral component of the VTOL ecosystem. Once adopted, these proposed regulations will serve as a complement to existing EU regulatory frameworks and guidance materials. These include regulations related to the operation of unmanned aircraft, specifications for vertiport design, unmanned traffic management (known in Europe as U-space), and the certification of VTOL-capable aircraft.