How do you commercially operate an aircraft which may have range and endurance less than the legally required reserves that are in place today?
That’s undoubtedly going to be one of the questions facing the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s newly-formed international consortium of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) leaders and aviation experts.
Most of the evTOL aircraft projects currently under development can’t fly for the 45 minutes that’s commonly required as a reserve for commercially operated aircraft – ie, ones carrying paying passengers.
It could be that hybrid-electric propulsion would give the required range rather than pure battery-powered electric propulsion.
This and other safety challenges will need to be solved to allow eVTOL aircraft and drone taxis to come to market, said the CAA.
The eVTOL Safety Leadership Group (eVSLG) consortium comprises potential operators, existing rotorcraft experts and aviation companies, including the Bristow Helicopters and Virgin Atlantic, as well as eVTOL manufacturers such as Joby and Vertical Aerospace.
The eVSLG consortium is an interesting concept. It’s outside the usual CAA governance and assurance processes, for a start. However, the CAA also said, “We expect that the consortium will empower the eVTOL market to successfully take off and retain the UK’s highest levels of aviation safety.”
The group is co-chaired by Rick Newson, head of the CAA’s Rapid Capabilities Office, and Matt Rhodes from Bristow Helicopters.
Rick Newson, said, “The formation of the eVSLG consortium is a significant milestone toward a future of eVTOL aircraft and drone taxis becoming a reality in UK airspace.
“With commercial operations potentially starting in the next five years, it is vital that a strong safety culture is built into the heart of eVTOL operations.
“The UK is a global leader for aviation innovation, and this group will provide a space for organisations to collaborate and create of world-first technologies, tried and tested in a safe environment.”
Matt Rhodes added, “The vertical flight industry has evolved significantly over the last half century. Many of the lessons learned, practices and procedures that have been developed over this period, will undoubtedly read across into this new era of powered vertical flight.
“eVTOL aircraft represent a significant and revolutionary step change in this industry necessitating that safety processes continue to evolve in line with this fast moving and dynamic technology.
“We are committed to a collaborative approach to the sharing of safety critical data and best practices to assure our success.”
Organisations currently represented within the eVTOL Safety Leadership Group:
- UK Civil Aviation Authority – co-chair
- Bristow Helicopters – co-chair
- Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB)
- British Helicopter Assocation
- Flexjet
- General Aviation Safety Council (GASCo)
- Joby
- NATS
- Vertical Aerospace
- Virgin Atlantic
