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

EASA has published proposed methods for certifying eVTOL aircraft in a further step towards establishing a framework for type certification. The "Proposed Means of Compliance with Special Condition VTOL" <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/product-certification-consultations/special-condition-vtol">document</a> was issued on May 25 and industry stakeholders have until July 24 to comment.

 


The agency described the proposals as the “third building block” in establishing rules for certifying both hybrid-electric and all-electric aircraft. It follows the publication of EASA’s special condition VTOL <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/SC-VTOL-01.pdf">document</a> in July 2019 and proposed <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/product-certification-consultations/proposed-special-condition-electric-hybrid">certification requirements for propulsion systems</a>, for which the consultation deadline has been extended until June 19.

 


Announcing the proposed methods for certification, EASA said that manufacturers need guidance on how to comply with requirements “now that the industry is moving from prototypes into more mature designs.” The proposals apply to “person-carrying small VTOL aircraft with three or more lift/thrust units used to generate powered lift and control.”

 


The means of compliance cover requirements such as the structural design envelope for eVTOL aircraft, flight load conditions, crashworthiness, capability after bird impact, design of fly-by-wire systems, the safety assessment process, lightning protection, and ratings for minimum handling qualities. These are based on input provided by companies in response to the special condition VTOL proposal.

 


EASA intends to publish further certification guidance materials during the 2020 EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Symposium scheduled for November 10 to 12, 2020, as part of the new European Rotors trade show.

 


According to EASA, it has followed a similar approach to establishing a type certification framework for eVTOL aircraft as it did with the CS-23 Amendment 5 rules for light fixed-wing aircraft. The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-24/easa-set-publish-accepted-means-compliance-proposals-evtol-certification">regulator’s intention</a> is not to limit technical innovation by basing certification standards on “prescriptive design solutions,” but instead spelling out a means of compliance for the safety performance required in the special condition VTOL.

 


The new envisioned requirements for the eVTOL category cover aircraft of the same size and capacity as the existing CS-27 rules for small rotorcraft, with nine or fewer passenger seats and a maximum takeoff weight of 3,175 kg (7,000 pounds) or less. Under the special condition there will be requirements for two categories of operation, depending on the purpose of flights and the operating environment.

 


The enhanced category will apply for the protection of third parties in commercial flights over congested areas, as envisioned by the so-called on-demand taxi urban air mobility business model. This will cover factors such as requirements for continued safe flight and landing, including the possibility of having to divert from the planned destination.

 


The basic category would apply for private operations and in less congested airspace. Aircraft operating in this mode will have to be able to make a controlled emergency landing through means similar to a controlled glide for a fixed-wing aircraft or autorotation for a helicopter.

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 Proposes eVTOL Certification Means of Compliance 

EASA's Special Condition VTOL certification requirements include an Enhanced category for commercial operations in urban environments. 

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