Writer

Amy Wilder

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released a new proposal to establish noise certification requirements for aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. Published on August 22 as <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/notices-of-proposed-amendment/npa-2025-03?utm_campaign=d-20250822&amp;utm_term=pro&amp;mtm_source=notifications&amp;mtm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=title&amp;mtm_placement=content&amp;mtm_group=easa_npa">Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2025-03</a>, the draft regulation is open for public comment through Nov. 21, 2025.
New proposals for noise measurement, reporting, and certification are included in the proposed regulatory package, along with changes to Part 21 of Regulation (EU) No 748/2012. If adopted, noise limits for takeoff, overflight, and approach would mirror those currently used for helicopters under ICAO Annex 16 Chapter 8. Hover noise would also be measured and reported, though no limit would initially apply.
A new delegated regulation specifically for noise certification of VTOL-capable aircraft (VCA) would be established by the rule, filling a gap left by the current rule, which does not contain standards and recommended practices for these emerging aircraft types. EASA said that existing rules for helicopters and tiltrotors are not technically applicable due to the unique design and operational characteristics of VTOL aircraft.
According to the agency, the lack of certified noise data could create challenges for the urban integration of air mobility platforms. “To mitigate the annoyance caused by VCA and to contribute to their societal acceptance, VCA should be designed to minimise noise,” the NPA states. The draft rule aims to support that goal while ensuring a level playing field for manufacturers and aiding local authorities in land-use planning and operational approvals.
Certification would be documented using new forms tailored to VTOL aircraft. These certificates will be issued by the aircraft’s state of registry and entered into EASA’s public database. Member states will then be able to use this data to support zoning decisions and operational approvals.
EASA noted that the proposed standard was based on feedback from manufacturers and national authorities, as well as technical consultations it has conducted since 2023. It also noted that other global regulators, including the FAA, ANAC Brazil, and Japan’s JCAB, are pursuing similar measures.
Final adoption is expected no earlier than 2027, following review and issuance of EASA’s opinion and documents. Comments may be submitted via EASA’s <a href="http://hub.easa.europa.eu/crt">Comment Response Tool portal</a>.

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