India’s DGCA Sets Safety Rules for New Electric Flying Vehicles
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has released an advisory circular outlining the baseline airworthiness criteria for the type certification of Vertical Take-Off and Landing capable aircraft (VCA). These aircraft are currently powered by electrical systems.
This significant step aims to streamline the certification process and ensure the safety and reliability of emerging electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies in India. The advisory provides comprehensive safety requirements on the design, construction, structural strength, flight performance, equipment, power plant installation, flight crew interface, and other information required for type certification of eVTOL aircraft.
This circular has been issued after extensive interaction with all concerned stakeholders. DGCA’s initiative aligns with global efforts to standardize eVTOL certification and encourages innovative efforts by the Indian industry in developing and manufacturing eVTOL and its components.
The eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector is fast evolving, and further iterations in the proposed requirements are anticipated. This step is a stepping stone towards the broader implementation of AAM in India. Last week, DGCA had issued an advisory circular on vertiports to be used by eVTOLs.
Doubts Revealed
DGCA -: DGCA stands for Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It is the Indian government body responsible for regulating civil aviation, which means it makes rules to keep flying safe.
eVTOL -: eVTOL stands for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing. These are new types of aircraft that can take off and land straight up and down, like a helicopter, but they use electric power.
vertiports -: Vertiports are special places where eVTOL aircraft can take off and land. They are like small airports but designed for these new electric flying vehicles.
global standards -: Global standards are rules and guidelines that are accepted all over the world. By following these, India ensures its new flying vehicles are safe and can be used internationally.