Now DGCA issues rules for type certification of air taxis

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is swiftly rolling out the required provisions needed to launch air taxis in India by 2026. On Wednesday, it issued airworthiness criteria for type certification of vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft (VCA).

Last week it had issued specifications for vertiports to be used by e-VCA. IndiGo parent InterGlobe Enterprises has placed an order for upto 200 air taxis - Midnight - from California-based Archer. While Midnight will first enter commercial service in the US possibly next year, the second launch will be in India (Delhi NCR) or the UAE — depending on which of these two places have the required rules and infra in place for the same. On its part, Indian aviation authorities are leaving nothing to chance and are putting the rules in place for the same which can then be implemented by IGE-Archer jointly for timely launch in the country.

On Wednesday, the regulator issued advisory circular on airworthiness certification requirements for eVTOL. “VCA at present is powered by electrical system. This significant step aims to streamline the certification process and ensure the safety and reliability of emerging eVTOL technologies in India,” DGCA said in a statement.

“The advisory circular 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 standardise eVTOL certification and encourages innovative efforts by the Indian industry in developing/manufacturing eVTOL and its components. eVTOL / AAM sector is fast evolving, further iterations in the proposed requirements are anticipated. This step is a stepping stone towards the broader implementation of advanced air mobility in India,” it added.