The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) published a consultation document, CAP3240, to establish a regulatory policy framework for new types of vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The UK government has stated an objective to see piloted electric vertical take-off and landing operations in the UK from 2028. To meet this goal, the CAA aims to implement a clear regulatory framework that permits initial commercial passenger flights. The consultation received 28 responses, with 85% expressing positive views on the proposals. The approach seeks to use existing aviation regulatory frameworks where possible, only introducing bespoke requirements when technological or operational characteristics render existing rules unsuitable.
Definitions and Classifications A core component of the framework involves defining these new vehicles. The CAA proposes updating the existing UK definition of a powered-lift aircraft to capture most new vertical take-off and landing aircraft, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. However, some new aircraft operate similarly to helicopters but lack the capability to perform an autorotation (or an equivalent safe forced landing alternative) in the event of power failure or energy depletion. The CAA will classify these as non-conventional helicopters. By treating them as a subcategory of helicopters, regulators can apply targeted requirements to mitigate specific safety risks without burdening conventional helicopter operations. The propulsion architecture itself—whether using vectored thrust or independent lift and cruise motors—will not affect the classification, as the rules are intended to be technologically agnostic. Where an aircraft does not neatly fit into existing statutory definitions, the CAA will retain the discretion to determine the most appropriate classification.
Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft Under the framework, powered-lift aircraft and non-conventional helicopters will be treated as complex motor-powered aircraft by default. Respondents broadly agreed that the novelty, complexity and safety-critical nature of these vehicles—such as their highly integrated systems and distributed propulsion architectures—justify this stringent classification. This classification ensures that operational risk remains equivalent to legacy commercial aviation. Nevertheless, the CAA proposes a discretionary power to exempt certain aircraft from this category, provided there is a clear and transparent decision-making framework, which will be the subject of further consultation.
Airworthiness Standards The framework establishes robust standards for both initial and continuing airworthiness. For initial airworthiness, the CAA will use the existing framework set out in Part 21 of UK Regulation (EU) No. 748/2012. Respondents strongly supported this, noting that the current system is familiar, internationally consistent and highly capable of integrating novel technologies while maintaining public confidence. No respondents completely disagreed with this approach, although some cautioned against over-regulating smaller aircraft under 600kg, which might possess different risk profiles.
Similarly, continuing airworthiness will fall under the established requirements of UK Regulation (EU) 1321/2014. This approach ensures that new vertical take-off and landing aircraft meet the same rigorous maintenance and safety standards as the wider aviation industry. The CAA will explore allowing pilot-owner maintenance for normal tasks, while restricting pilot maintenance on complex systems such as flight controls.
Pilot Licensing Developing a competent workforce is essential for the future of flight. The framework outlines a personnel licensing pathway that allows existing commercial pilot licence and airline transport pilot licence holders to secure a type rating for new vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The CAA will also create a pathway for private pilot licence holders to fly these aircraft non-commercially. At this stage, the CAA is not proposing an ab-initio training route for novice pilots. Instead, training will rely on operational suitability data established by manufacturers, offering a standardised, data-driven process for type ratings. Several consultation respondents suggested that competency-based training might be more effective than traditional flight-hour metrics given the advanced automation of these aircraft, and the CAA has committed to exploring these alternatives.
Flight Operations and Aerodromes For flight operations, the CAA intends to apply existing aeroplane and helicopter requirements equitably. However, bespoke updates are necessary for flight time limitations and energy management policies. Because vertical take-off and landing aircraft rely heavily on automated systems, the CAA acknowledges that pilot workload may differ from conventional flying, necessitating a review of single-pilot fatigue regulations. Furthermore, energy reserve requirements will be dictated by the specific landing mode used by the aircraft.
Finally, aerodrome regulations will align with the forthcoming heliport certification and safety management systems framework. The CAA plans to modernise the guidance to reflect the physical characteristics of powered-lift aircraft, such as downwash and outwash. The framework will also support the shared use of aerodromes and vertiports to reduce infrastructure costs and foster commercial viability, while maintaining pathways for commercial operations at unlicensed operating sites.
Further consultations will be conducted to refine the specific legislative text and detail, ensuring continuous alignment with international colleagues and mitigating the risk of market fragmentation. Once concluded, the CAA will deliver its final instructions to the Department for Transport to consider progressing these proposals into statutory instruments.
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Drone technology could transform our skies and boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.
From: Department for Transport and Anthony Browne MP
- flying taxis and routine emergency service drones should be a reality by 2028
- new action plan will make sure regulation and infrastructure is in place to support exciting greener, quieter aviation technologies
- comes as Aviation and Technology Minister visits pioneering UK company Vertical Aerospace in Bristol to see technology first-hand
Flying taxis, crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries could all be a reality by 2030 thanks to the government and industry’s joint Future of Flight action plan, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) today (18 March 2024).
Setting out a roadmap for drones and novel electric aircraft in the UK, the plan details how technology once confined to the realm of sci-fi could transform our skies, with studies estimating drone technology could boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.
It details plans for the first piloted flying taxi flight by 2026 and regular services by 2028, regular drone deliveries across our skies by 2027 and demos of autonomous flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030 – transforming how people and goods are transported.
Aviation and Technology Minister, Anthony Browne, said:
Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality.
From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation – improving people’s lives and boosting the economy.
The plan was unveiled on the same day the minister is due to visit Vertical Aerospace in Bristol – one of the UK companies making flying taxis and at the cutting edge of innovation in aviation.
These greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation process and have been made possible thanks to rapid advances in battery technology, meaning they are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distances needed.
Some of the other actions set out in the plan include:
- allowing drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) so that the sector can grow without limiting the skies for other aircraft
- breathing life into smaller aerodromes by setting out how they can operate as vertiports for electric aircraft that take off vertically (sometimes known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft)
- developing standards to improve security for drones to boost public safety
- engaging communities and local authorities so that they can enjoy the economic and social benefits of these technologies
First imagined in the Flightpath to the Future in 2022, this joint plan between industry and government sets out the strategic direction of the sector over the next 5 years, striking a balance between innovation, security, safety and cutting emissions.
The benefits of this new technology are already being seen in the UK. West Midlands Police uses drones to tackle violent crime and antisocial behaviour. In July 2023, a drone team was deployed, successfully identifying 2 offenders and another suspect at a speed and distance that would have taken ground officers hours to track down.
Drones are also helping frontline NHS staff save lives. For 6 months between October 2022 and March 2023, the UK drone service provider Skyfarer partnered with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and Medical Logistics UK to test drones to deliver surgical implants and pathology samples between sites. In one case, drones reliably helped cut delivery times of surgical implants between Coventry and Rugby hospitals from up to an hour to just 18 minutes – a 70% decrease.
The Future of Flight action plan contains measures to make drone applications and assessments easier by creating new and simple digital platforms that operators can use – ensuring companies and public services are no longer shackled by red tape and get drones up and flying quicker.
It will also enable the development of vertiports – mini-airports for drones and electric aircraft that take off vertically – by developing certification standards and reviewing the use of existing infrastructure to deliver at speed, boost safety and security and put the passenger first.
Industry partners will also undertake multiple industry-leading trials to explore new ways to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight and demonstrate electric aircraft – keeping accidents to a minimum and making the most of technological advances. This could include finding and repairing faults quicker on our railways with fewer delays and cancellations for train passengers, providing new connections across the UK and using technology to help our emergency services.
The Future of Flight action plan comes ahead of the fifth meeting of the Future of Flight Industry Group, a joint force established in February 2023 for government and industry leaders to tackle the biggest challenges facing the sector and set ambitious goals as emerging aviation technologies become more commonplace.
Duncan Walker, Chief Executive of Skyports and Chairman of the Future of Flight Industry Group, said:
The UK is home to one of the world’s most important aerospace industries and is in an ideal position to be a pioneer in the next era of aviation. The government and industry have a joint commitment to support the development, industrialisation and introduction of new aviation technologies. Continued collaboration will ensure that we capitalise on the significant domestic and international market opportunities presented by the future of flight.
By supporting research and development in electric aircraft and drones, and with the help of key partners like the CAA, the action plan aims to usher in a new era of eco-friendly aviation and boost the economy with new investments, ensuring the UK captures the full potential of this emerging global industry as a force for good and a driver of growth.
Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
Aviation stands on the cusp of its next, potentially biggest, revolution since the invention of the jet engine. Drones, eVTOL and other different vehicles have the potential to change transportation options forever.
We welcome the firm direction the government’s Future of Flight action plan provides for the industry as it continues to innovate. Our role in this bright future of aviation will be enabling technological advances and providing regulatory support while ensuring that all forms of new aviation technology enjoy the same high safety standards as traditional aviation.
Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of UK drone trade association ARPAS-UK, said:
Drones help professional teams capture data from the sky in a safer, cheaper, smarter and greener way and, in the future, they will help transport cargo and people. ARPAS-UK and the industry are looking forward to actively and collectively implementing the actions in the plan so that we can accelerate the safe use of drones by end-user industries. We thank the DfT, CAA and all involved parties for making it happen.
Not only is the Future of Flight action plan a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing aviation technologies, but it gives industry the confidence to continue breaking barriers in the sector. Vertical Aerospace, whose pioneering innovation in electric vertical take-off aircraft is creating a cleaner, quieter way to travel, is just one of several UK-based manufacturers that will benefit from the plan.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO, Vertical Aerospace, said:
]]>The UK has a long heritage in aerospace and the publication of this plan sets out how we will lead the next revolution of flight. With government and business working together, we can unleash the huge economic, environmental, and social benefits of zero emissions flight globally. Vertical is hugely proud to be at the forefront of leading this new chapter.