The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is preparing for a new frontier in aviation with the first look at new design guidance materials for vertiports – the launch pad where electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft such as flying taxis will take-off and land.
The guidance material, also known as an advisory circular, sets out the design guidelines for Australia's future vertiports. This is the first of its kind in the Australasian region and it's currently available online for industry to review and provide feedback.
Joe Hain, Team Leader Future Aerodromes says Australia is at the forefront of the global effort to introduce infrastructure that supports the integration of these new aircraft and its technology into our airspace.
'We've started the ball rolling by examining and outlining what vertiports could look like, where and how they might operate, as well as the safety requirements needed,' he said.
The advisory circular provides a flexible framework for developers to create a vertiport that can be built in different locations and be used by different types of emerging aircraft.
'The aim is that vertiports can be built where they are needed, whether it's on top of a skyscraper in a high-density city, or in an open space in a regional town,' Mr Hain said.
Before the advisory circular is finalised, CASA is seeking industry feedback through a public consultation which is open until 31 March 2023.
