On Wednesday 10 April, the European Commission adopted a package of draft measures aimed at unifying and streamlining the regulatory landscape for drones in the Member States, by improving oversight and operational safety standards (see EUROPE 13073/9).
This package of measures concerns two emerging areas of aviation: - piloted Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft or ‘piloted air taxis’, which are small commercial aircraft that make short flights on demand; - high-risk drone operations, known as ‘specific category’ operations.
“With this regulatory framework, the EU reaffirms its position as a global leader in aviation safety and innovation”, stressed Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean in a press release.
The texts will introduce new airworthiness certification requirements and procedures for VTOLs with or without pilots, as well as requirements for ‘air taxi’ pilot licences. They also include specific rules enabling these aircraft to provide emergency medical services and rescue operations.
Further information: https://aeur.eu/f/boy; https://aeur.eu/f/boz; https://aeur.eu/f/bp0 (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)