Authority
EASA
Applicability
Small-category VTOL-capable aircraft within SC-VTOL Issue 2 applicability: up to 5,700 kg maximum certified take-off mass and up to 9 passengers.
Status
Current
Plain-English Explainer
SC-VTOL is EASA's dedicated special condition for type certification of small-category VTOL-capable aircraft. It provides aircraft-level airworthiness requirements tailored to aircraft that do not fit conventional aeroplane or rotorcraft certification specifications.
SC-VTOL Issue 2 increased the maximum certified take-off mass from 3,175 kg to 5,700 kg while retaining a maximum passenger seating configuration of 9. EASA's current small-category VCA material incorporates SC-VTOL Issue 2 and the associated published means of compliance.
The framework connects aircraft-level safety objectives with detailed means of compliance and, where applicable, supporting specifications such as SC E-19 for electric or hybrid lift/thrust systems.
