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Special Condition for Small-Category VTOL-Capable Aircraft (Issue 2)

Special Condition for Small-Category VTOL-Capable Aircraft (Issue 2)

Updated February 11, 2025

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Special Condition for Small-Category VTOL-Capable Aircraft (Issue 2)

White Paper Details

Title

Special Condition for Small-Category VTOL-Capable Aircraft (Issue 2)

Year Published

2024

Author

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Number of pages:

This document establishes airworthiness standards for VTOL-capable aircraft in the small category (maximum take-off mass ≤ 5,700 kg, ≤9 passengers). It updates certification requirements to address safety, structural durability, fire protection, and operational limits, incorporating lessons from aviation incidents and harmonizing with FAA standards.

Key Updates in Issue 2

Increased Maximum Certified Take-Off Mass (MCTOM):
- Raised from 3,175 kg to 5,700 kg to enhance payload, range, and battery capacity flexibility. Aligns with CS-23 aeroplane standards.
Flight Recorder Alignment:
- Modified requirements for lightweight flight recorders (e.g., Eurocae ED-155) to match EU regulations (UAM.IDE.MVCA.191).
EASA-FAA Harmonization:
- Unified wording for climb performance (VTOL.2105) and design principles (VTOL.2250) to ensure consistency in certification.
Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS):
- New requirement (VTOL.2517) to mitigate risks from high-power electrical systems, inspired by incidents like TWA Flight 800 and Swissair Flight.
Overwater Operations:
- Added categories for limited overwater operations and floating-surface operations, updating flotation and emergency exit standards (VTOL.2310, VTOL.2315).
Structural Safety Enhancements:
- Revised durability (VTOL.2240) and fire protection (VTOL.2440) requirements to ensure consistent safety across subsystems.

Certification Categories

Category Enhanced:
- Requires continued safe flight and landing for operations over congested areas or commercial passenger transport.
Category Basic:
- Permits controlled emergency landing for non-commercial or non-congested area operations.

Critical Design Considerations

Flight Control Systems Must prevent jamming and excessive friction and ensure smooth transitions between flight modes (VTOL.2135).
Battery and Energy Systems: Require isolation, fire protection, and safeguards against energy loss during crashes (VTOL.2430).
Occupant Protection: Mandates crashworthiness standards to prevent injury during emergency landings (VTOL.2270)

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