Our new Safety Leadership Group is specifically focussed on future e Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) operations. This is the latest safety project initiated by the CAA in collaboration with the aviation industry, in association with our Safety Plan and our regulatory principles.
While eVTOL aircraft are not yet in operation, these vehicles have the potential to launch commercially in the UK within the next five years. In order to begin operations and receive regulatory approval, any aircraft needs to stand up to the strictest standards of aviation safety.
The group was formally established in January 2022. Its principle aim is to consider the safety challenges that need to be solved to allow eVTOL aircraft and subsequently drone taxis to come to market: helping the UK's aviation sector to continue to be at the forefront of international technology.
Initially, the membership of this group has been established to focus on eVTOL manufacturers, future operators and related safety representatives. It is expected however that this group will develop iteratively, driven by its industry participants and wider eVTOL market developments in the UK.
To ensure transparency, regulatory coordination and wider engagement with industry, we will support this group through its initial stages and will share information through this webpage on the latest meetings and outcomes of the group as they develop.
Co-chairs
Rick Newson FRAeS – Head of CAA Rapid Capabilities Office
Matt Rhodes – Co-Chair Offshore Helicopter Safety Leadership Group /UK and Turkmenistan oil and gas manager, Bristow Helicopters
Initial participants/ members
Eve Air Mobility
Joby Aviation
Lilium
Vertical Aerospace
Volocopter
AAIB
British Helicopter Association
Bristow Helicopters
Civil Aviation Authority
GASCO
Halo Aviation
NATS
Virgin Atlantic
Military Aviation Authority - Futures & Strategy Development (Air & Space)
Secretariat
CAA Innovation Hub
The Terms of Reference provides further information on the groups aims and objectives.
For General enquiries or to register an expression of interest in future engagement with this group please contact innovation@caa.co.uk
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