Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

In mid-February, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expects to publish proposals on the accepted means of compliance for new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aiming for type certification under its new Special Conditions VTOL rules. At the same time, it will begin a public consultation on a Special Condition regulation for electric and hybrid propulsion systems used by these aircraft.

 


This first set of accepted means of compliance proposals will cover the most critical requirements for eVTOL aircraft, according to EASA’s head of VTOL, David Solar. He told AIN that these are being issued first because these requirements will have the biggest impact on design work now being done by eVTOL manufacturers.

 


By mid-November, EASA expects to publish proposals for a second set of accepted means of compliance requirements for less critical items. The proposals may be adapted following input from the industry.

 


“The plan is that over the next couple of years, or more, we will see if we are aligned with what the applicants [eVTOL manufacturers] are doing,” Solar said. “At some point, it may result in a new CS regulation, or a change in the regulatory framework, it is hard to predict exactly when this will be completed because the industry is going through a lot of prototypes now with many final designs still on the drawing board.”

 


Solar told AIN that EASA is very conscious that the eVTOL pioneers need the agency to complete the new regulations as soon as possible, “as most of them have limited funding.” However, he added that some companies are being unrealistic about how quickly the new aircraft can be certified and enter service. “The first crash [of an eVTOL aircraft] could kill the business so it’s important that we learn but do not close the door [to progress,” he concluded.

 


EASA also intends to publish some rules governing how eVTOL aircraft can be operated, while acknowledging that each European Union member state retains leeway to adapt these to local circumstances. In the context of urban air mobility operations, Solar said he expects individual cities to also establish the terms under which they are willing to accept operations.

 


Solar indicated that he expects commercial eVTOL operators to be regulated under a similar framework to the existing air transport rules for holders of air operator certificates. He told AIN that he believes the transition to all-electric propulsion for the new aircraft is more technically challenging than plans for autonomous flights&nbsp;since the latter technology is already being advanced on existing commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A350.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

EASA is firming up type certification rules for new eVTOL aircraft

EASA proposals for accepted means of compliance will advance plans for rules under which new eVTOL aircraft will achieve type certification.

EASA Set To Publish Accepted Means of Compliance Proposals for eVTOL Certification

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

ATR 72 aircraft performs pre-modification flight in Toulouse

Kepplair Starts Converting ATR 72 Into Water Bombers

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Only the piston aircraft segment posted a decline

GAMA: Bizjets, T-props, and Rotorcraft Deliveries Up

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Aircraft