Lok Sabha Question No. 597 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-11-28
Subject: Policy and Regulatory Framework for VTOL Aircraft
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Shri M K Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 597

(To be answered on the 28 th  November 2024)

## POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR VTOL AIRCRAFT

## 597. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN

Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Government has taken any steps to roll out a policy and establish regulatory framework for Vertiports and the safe operation of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft or Air Taxis across the country, particularly for urban air mobility and if so, the details thereof; (b) the manner in which the Government plans to integrate VTOL aircraft into existing airspace management system of the country while ensuring safe and efficient coordination with conventional aircraft operations;
- (c) whether the Government has constituted any mechanism for certification and operational standards for VTOL Aircraft or Air Taxis and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether the Government proposes to work with international aviation bodies to align these standards with global best practices and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Murlidhar Mohol)

- (a):  With  regard  to  the  safe  operation  of  Vertical  Take-Off  and Landing(VTOL) aircraft across the country, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken the following steps:
- 1.Guidance Material on Type Certification of vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft (VCA) has been issued.
- 2.Guidance material for Design, Operation and Authorisation of Vertiports has been issued.
- 3.The ICAO has established the Advanced Air Mobility Study Group in light of rapid technological advances of new entrants and the potential impact on the aviation ecosystem. In tandem to that DGCA has also constituted internal working groups for studying other aspects related to operation of E-VTOL to assess and develop appropriate regulations/ requirements suitable for India.

(b): The regulatory framework needs to be developed, which will involve creating  new  rules  and  standards  for  VTOL  operations,  including airworthiness, pilot certification, and operational procedures. Based on the regulatory  framework  the  Vertiports,  air  routes  and  other  necessary infrastructure essential for VTOL operations for their take-off and landing sites will have to be established. The operations will have to be planned to optimise air traffic flow within the existing airspace management system. (c): Guidance Material on Type Certification of vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft (VCA) has been issued. (d):  Yes, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between European Union Safety Agency (EASA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation  (DGCA)  on  4th  July,  2023  that  focuses  on  collaboration  on unmanned aircraft and innovative air mobility between the two civil aviation authorities. In addition, DGCA has also established collaboration with ICAO, FAA &  APAC (CAA Singapore) in this matter.

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