24 Asia-Pacific states and administrations have jointly developed a set of reference materials on advanced air mobility (AAM) for civil aviation authorities in the Asia-Pacific region to facilitate operations of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) says this is the first time regulators have come together to jointly develop a set of reference materials which regulators can consider, adapt, and use to prepare for and facilitate commercial operations of eVTOL aircraft and UAS, in their respective states and administrations.
CAAS is seeking industry feedback on the reference materials from 2 April to 23 April 2025 before adoption and publication in July 2025. The feedback received will be considered in the finalisation of the AAM Reference Materials.
The reference materials cover six key areas for eVTOL aircraft, namely: a) certification, validation, and acceptance of eVTOL aircraft; b) regulations for eVTOL aircraft Entry into Service (EIS); c) cooperation among national agencies; d) economic policies and regulation; e) capability building and f) social acceptance; and two areas of UAS, namely: i) technical guidance for implementation of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS operations; and ii) capability building (personnel training).
CAAS says that the reference materials “bring together the knowledge and best practices of the participating states and administrations, to support the timely development of fit-for-purpose regulations for these emerging technologies and facilitate alignment and streamline regulatory processes across States of Design including Brazil, China, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, States of Registry, States of the Operator and States of the Aerodrome within the Asia-Pacific region”.
The reference materials are intended to help regulators develop regulations that keep pace with the rapid development and deployment of new technologies while ensuring aviation and public safety and security. For industry, CAAS says the reference materials will facilitate technology development and adoption, support industry development and reduce regulatory uncertainty, cost and risk to investments in eVTOL aircraft and UAS.
Interested eVTOL aircraft and UAS companies, including manufacturers, operators, and infrastructure developers, as well as institutes who wish to find out more about the consultation or provide feedback on the reference materials may write to caas_usg@caas.gov.sg.
For more information
Civil Aviation Authority – Singapore
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