The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a consultation on vertiport designs at existing aerodromes, intended to help prepare eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft for entry into UK service.
Describing UK aerodromes as “vital in unlocking the future of aviation operations,” Sophie O’Sullivan, head of future safety and innovation at the CAA, added that leveraging existing regulation is a key element of “enabling the introduction of innovative infrastructure”.
The CAA proposes that owing to their understanding and operational expertise, existing aerodromes are best placed to locate the first vertiports; thus allowing the aviation industry to become more familiar with the operations and performance of new eVTOL craft.
O’Sullivan added that as a committed partner towards the government’s Future of Flight Programme, the CAA vertiport consultation represents “a big step towards enabling this new and innovative way of travelling to become part of our everyday life”. Responses to the consultation can be made via the regulator’s webpage until March 15 2024.