Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

EASA has published a regulatory framework for innovative air mobility covering uncrewed vehicles and what the European Union (EU) aviation safety regulator defines as piloted vertical takeoff and landing-capable aircraft (VCA). On July 9, the Cologne-based agency issued documents covering acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance materials (GM) that it said cover everything VCA manufacturers, operators, and regulators need to bring the new aircraft, including eVTOL air taxis, into service.
The <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-steps-regulatory-framework-innovative-air-mobility">initiative</a> covers amendments to the EU’s core aviation <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/regulations/commission-regulation-eu-no-9652012">Regulation No. 965/2012</a>, as well as to Annex II (Part-ARO), Annex III (Part ORO), and Annex V (Part SPA)—respectively covering requirements for national aviation authorities, organizations, and operations requiring special approval. EASA has also introduced a new Annex IX (Part IAM) that specifically covers VCA operations. It said the guidance includes pre-flight preparation, fuel/energy management, and the availability of landing sites, including vertiports.
EASA’s new documentation also covers flight crew licensing with new AMC terms covered by Article 4f of <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/regulations/commission-regulation-eu-no-11782011">EU Regulation No. 1178/2011</a>. This includes guidance for the type ratings required for VCA pilots, including what the agency described as “adaptations for innovative aircraft designs and a broader approach to theoretical knowledge by referring to various aircraft categories.”
The European regulator has amended the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) document to include the term fuel/energy. This covers new energy sources for aircraft propulsion, including electrical energy stored in batteries, as well as further guidance to accommodate VCA operations in Europe’s air traffic management environment.
New VTOL aircraft were included in EASA’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-01-22/easa-adds-tasks-european-plan-aviation-safety">2025 European Plan for Aviation Safety</a>, which was published in February.

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