Technologies and developments in landing sites may require our attention. Technologies include:
- the introduction of vertiports and associated infrastructure to support AAM operations
- developments to landing sites for RPAS, including larger, type certified RPAS with vertical take-off and landing or short take-off and landing capabilities
- evolutionary changes to aerodrome standards for existing aircraft operations
- changes to aerodrome based aviation firefighting and rescue services. This is in light of the use of novel propulsion technologies including battery electric powered aircraft.
Activity status in the immediate to near term
To support AAM operations, we are currently developing:
- guidance material
- design requirements
- regulations for vertiports and other infrastructure.
We have developed a draft Advisory Circular (AC) on design standards for vertiports issued in mid-2023. As part of the draft, we consulted with stakeholders in late 2022 and early 2023 and will continue our engagement. We are now working on a draft AC covering vertiport operations.
In the near term, we are looking at the need for a regulatory framework to support RPAS and AAM landing sites including certification requirements.
Activity status in the medium term
We will continue to work with industry and ICAO in the medium to long term on infrastructure decisions. Policy and wider CASR will also influence these decisions including the application of Part 139.025 (an aerodrome with published IFP needs to be certified).
Activity status in the long term
We expect medium term activity as well as OEM requirements for autonomous operation at vertiports to influence long term activities.