Key Regulatory Changes
The update affects several key areas:
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Air Operations – The amended Regulation (EU) No 965/2012, supplemented by Annex IX (Part-IAM), establishes new means of compliance and recommendations for VTOL operations. Emphasis is placed on thorough pre-flight preparation, the availability of vertiports and alternate landing sites, as well as on energy and fuel management.
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Pilot Licensing – In accordance with the AMC to Article 4f of Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, guidance has been developed for VTOL type rating courses, reflecting their specific flight characteristics.
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Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) – These now include terminology related to the different energy sources for VTOL propulsion, particularly electric batteries.
Technical Details and Implementation
Under Rulemaking Task (RMT).0230, EASA has adopted Decisions 2025/010/R, 2025/011/R, and 2025/012/R, which define the technical standards and procedures. These documents are intended to ensure the smooth and safe integration of VTOL aircraft into the Single European Sky (SES) without excessive bureaucracy.
Significance for Europe
This regulatory package is a response to the growing demand for Urban Air Mobility (UAM). VTOL aircraft—often electric or hybrid—promise efficient transport over urban areas and direct connections between city centres and airports. According to EASA, this is a key step that can secure Europe’s leading position in the global development of air mobility.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, transparent, and innovation-friendly framework that will enable the faster development of this sector,” EASA stated in an official announcement.
Accessibility of Regulations
The changes also include a modernisation of the document format. The regulations are now available not only in the traditional PDF format but also in XML, which will facilitate their integration into digital systems. All materials are published on the EASA eRules platform, which is regularly updated.
Source: EASA
