Regulation
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates all commercial aviation in Australia, including emerging eVTOL categories. Type certification confirms an aircraft design meets safety standards; operator certificates authorise airlines or air taxi companies to fly paying passengers. Manufacturers such as Joby, Eve, and Wisk are engaging CASA on certification timelines, but no eVTOL type is fully certified for routine passenger service in Australia yet.
How the Civil Aviation Safety Authority approves new eVTOL aircraft types and operator licences before commercial passenger flights.
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The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) certifies aircraft types and authorises commercial operators. eVTOL manufacturers must demonstrate airworthiness, pilot training or autonomy standards, and operational procedures before carrying passengers for hire.
Timelines depend on aircraft complexity, test data, and how closely designs align with existing regulatory categories. Global programmes often span several years; Australian-specific approvals add local operational and maintenance requirements.
Test and demonstration flights operate under experimental or special flight permits with strict limitations. Routine commercial passenger revenue flights require full certification and an appropriate operator certificate.