Description

The acronym eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) refers to electrically powered aircraft that take off and land vertically. An eVTOL aircraft can be piloted or flown remotely. Regulators and others in the aviation industry also envision fully autonomous eVTOL aircraft. Numerous eVTOL concepts are under development. Specifics differ, but several of these aircraft carry 4-5 people over distances up to 100 miles at speeds up to 150 mph. Cargo aircraft also are in development.

Regulatory Background

In the United States, these aircraft fall under the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) classification, which the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) describes as "an umbrella term for aircraft that are highly automated, electrically powered, and have vertical takeoff and landing capability."

AAM aircraft are to be certified under the new powered-lift category, which represents the first new category of civil aircraft established by the FAA since helicopters were introduced during the 1940s. The FAA created the new powered-lift category in 2024. Powered-lift aircraft take off and land vertically, and fly like an airplane in cruise flight. Powered-lift operations can include air taxis, cargo transport, search-and-rescue, surveillance, and other missions. 

The final rule that created the new category adopts provisions for a period of 10 years that facilitate certification of pilots, clarify operating rules, and establish training and testing requirements. The regulations also allow for certification of pilots seeking qualifications in powered lift aircraft with single functioning flight controls and a single pilot station.

Pilots who fly powered-lift aircraft will need specific type ratings for each aircraft. In a frequently-asked questions page on the FAA website, the agency says this is because of the unique characteristics of various aircraft in the category. These characteristics include different configurations, diversified flight controls, and distinctive operating characteristics.

The FAA has also drafted an advisory circular, AC 21.17-4, for type certification of powered-lift aircraft. The AC defines powered-lift as "heavier-than-air aircraft capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing, and low-speed flight that depends principally on engine-driven lift devices or engine thrust for lift during these flight regimes and on nonrotating airfoil(s) for lift during horizontal flight." The AC adds: "Powered-lift [aircraft] have characteristics of both an airplane and a rotorcraft. They have the capability to function as a rotorcraft for takeoff and landing and as an airplane during cruise flight. This combination of lift capabilities creates the potential for increased speeds and duration, compared to rotorcraft, during the en route portion of the flight."

Appendix A of the AC lists airworthiness criteria that apply to powered-lift aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 12,500 pounds or less, passenger seating of six or less, and battery-powered electric engine(s) for propulsion. Subpart I deals specifically with electric engines. It lists a range of requirements such as operating limitations, thrust ratings, performance characteristics, primary and alternate modes, and backup systems.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) says it's in the process of creating new rules and revising existing ones to address new technologies and related issues. In the meantime, a Special Condition adopted in 2019 remains in effect. This document provides what the EASA describes as "a complete set of dedicated technical specifications . . . for VTOL aircraft." The Special Condition outlines airworthiness standards for the issuance of type certificates.

ICAO SARPs 

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is also preparing for this new technology. An ICAO working paper published in July 2025 notes: "While several States have made progress in certifying such novel aircraft types, the current ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) do not adequately address their unique operational characteristics and associated requirements." The paper describes two key areas requiring attention: certification requirements and operations of eVTOL aircraft, and the regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems.

Regarding powered-lift aircraft, the working paper says, "These novel aircraft present unique certification and operational challenges due to their distinctive lift mechanisms, flight characteristics, and failure modes." The document also says existing guidance does not adequately cover operational risks associated with electric propulsion systems, charging infrastructure, and integrated flight controls.

Unmanned eVTOL aircraft present further issues. The working paper says the lack of clear distinction between different classes of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), i.e., drones and other classes, creates challenges for States in determining appropriate distinction for certification and operational requirements.

Vertiports

eVTOL aircraft can operate from dedicated vertiports. The FAA defines a vertiport as "an area of land, water, or a structure used, or intended to be used, the support the landing, takeoff, taxiing, parking, and storage of powered-lift aircraft or other aircraft that vertiport design and performance standards . . . can accommodate." A vertiport can include specialized equipment such as charging stations.

Further Reading

• "Development of Guidance Materials for Certification and Operations of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Powered-Lift Aircraft for Cross-Border Operations and Regulatory Framework for Different Categories of Unmanned Aircraft Systems," ICAO working paper, July 28, 2025.
• Draft Advisory Circular 21.17-4, "Type Certification-Powered Lift," U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
• Special Condition-Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft, EASA, 2 July 2019.