Recently, It has been announced the UK Civil Aviation Authority consultation for designs in order to bring eVTOL flying taxis to reality in Vertiports. This significant step is leading to an excellent opportunity to introduce eVTOL in the UK.
What are Vertiports and how significant are they for eVTOL?
In previous Travel Radar article, It has been explained how the flying taxis(eVTOL) are transforming urban transportation.
For those unfamiliar with Vertiports concepts, Vertiports are “precise” locations for eVTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft) and are commonly used for aircraft’s landing, takeoff, and surface movement of people and goods in a faster and more convenient speed. The eVTOL aircraft is specially designed to travel between cities and airports- an excellent way to avoid traffic and speed the service. On the other hand, eVTOL doesn’t use aeroplane runaways but requires facilities like charging powers since they are electric and need charging.
The New 2024 CAA Consultation
After careful analysis of the upcoming project, the use of the United Kingdom airfields is considerable for the use of vertiports to operate eVTOL. However, according to the UK CCA, multiple security considerations must be evaluated and able to meet the safety criteria. The proposal is officially published on CCA website and is accessible through this link.
Sophie O’Sullivan, head of Future Safety and Innovation, expressed her enthusiasm, “We are dedicated partners with the Government’s Future of Flight Programme, and facilitate the integration of groundbreaking infrastructure is a fundamental strategic goal for us. This consultation shows a significant step in making this innovative mode of travel a part of our everyday lives.”
Sophie O’Sullivan also heightened the importance of UK aerodromes in changing the future of aviation operations and UK CCA explains that the UK aerodromes already have all the necessary infrastructure to receive flying taxis (eVTOL) and are ideally positioned to have the first structure and design specifications for vertiports.
The implementation of safety standards for UK aerodromes aims to facilitate eVTOL aircraft operations and the safety standards will be based on the structure and design of operating areas-Rescue and firefighting services provision, limitations on obstacle surfaces and integration of visual aids are safety aspects taken in consideration.
The consultation period closes on March 15, 2024, and stakeholders interested in this cause may show their concerns and respond through the CAA consultation website
What is your opinion on Vertiports in the United Kingdom? Please share with us your thoughts.
