vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft

EASA defines “vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft” in 2 regulations, worded for each regulation's scope. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

‘vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft’ (VCA) means a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft other than aeroplane or rotorcraft, capable of performing vertical take-off and landing by means of lift and thrust units used to provide lift during the take-off and landing;

Article 2 · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · Read Article 2

“vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft (VCA)” means a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft, other than aeroplane or rotorcraft, capable of performing vertical take-off and landing by means of lift and thrust units used to provide lift during take-off and landing;

Article 2 · Aircrew · Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 · Easy Access Rules, 25 Nov 2025 revision · Read Article 2

Defined in the same article

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