As manufacturers of new types of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft move closer to certification and commercial production, it’s important that the industry understands the regulatory framework that will enable safe operations in the UK.
Our ambition is clear: to create the regulatory framework that safely supports commercial VTOL operations by end-2028. To achieve this, we’ve published the first set of proposals as a UK Civil Aviation Authority consultation, giving everyone involved the chance to have their say and help shape their development.
These proposals cover everything from aircraft airworthiness requirements, the licences for their pilots, the landing sites and aerodromes they will use, and the rules for VTOL operations. In developing these new requirements, we have drawn on existing international and UK regulations as far as possible, allowing VTOL aircraft to seamlessly fit into the UK system. We are also mindful that many VTOL designs are still evolving, and our framework must be capable of adapting as technology advances and as we learn from early operations.
In the UK the main manufacturer so far of an electric powered commercial VTOL aircraft is Vertical Aerospace. Its VX4 aircraft has been conducting both vertical and traditional test flights. But the aerospace industry is a global business. Manufacturers will be looking to market their aircraft around the world. If countries and continents have significantly different rules and regulations it can be complex and expensive for both manufacturers and operators. Civil aviation largely eradicated this problem many decades ago by putting in place closely harmonised standards and mutual acceptance by regulators of each other’s approvals.
With these types of VTOL aircraft being a relatively new concept, international harmonisation is at an early stage. Our proposed regulatory approach seeks to deliver compatibility with international frameworks and the emerging regulations in other countries as much as possible, and we have signed up to a joint initiative with Australia, USA, Canada and New Zealand to accelerate harmonisation of certification standards.
While we have sought to align as much as possible with existing rules used across the aviation sector, there are some areas, such as the batteries and electric powerplants in these new aircraft that need more bespoke regulation.
The consultation is open until 29 January 2026. Your input will help us deliver a regulatory system that is safe, proportionate, and ready for the future of flight.
Find out more and share your views on our website.
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