Regulations & Safety
Five-Nation Pact Advances Global eVTOL Certification Standards
US, Australia, Canada, NZ, and UK collaborate to harmonize advanced air mobility regulations, accelerating safe integration of eVTOL aircraft worldwide.
Forging the Future of Flight: Five-Nation Pact Boosts Global Advanced Air Mobility
On June 17, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in the evolution of advanced air mobility (AAM), as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom formalized a partnership aimed at harmonizing global standards for this emerging aviation sector. The announcement, made at the Paris Air Show, underscores a shared commitment to integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other AAM technologies into national airspace systems safely and efficiently.
The agreement, signed by transportation and aviation leaders including U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau, centers around a joint Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification. This roadmap aims to align certification standards, streamline regulatory processes, and foster international collaboration through shared research, safety data, and regulatory best practices.
With urban congestion and environmental concerns mounting, AAM presents a promising alternative to conventional transportation. This multinational initiative is not just a bureaucratic alignment; it’s a strategic move to unlock the economic and societal potential of next-generation aviation while ensuring safety and public trust remain front and center.
Building the Framework: The Roadmap for Certification
What the Roadmap Entails
The Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification is designed to provide a unified framework for assessing and approving AAM aircraft, particularly eVTOLs. Unlike traditional aircraft, eVTOLs rely on electric propulsion systems and are intended for short-range, often urban, operations. Their unique design and intended use cases require new regulatory thinking.
By aligning certification criteria across five aviation-forward nations, the roadmap seeks to eliminate redundancies, reduce time-to-market, and ensure a consistent safety baseline. This is especially critical as several manufacturers are approaching key certification milestones and are targeting initial commercial operations within the next one to three years.
The roadmap also facilitates mutual recognition of certifications and operational approvals, a crucial factor in enabling cross-border AAM services. For manufacturers, this means fewer regulatory hurdles and lower compliance costs. For regulators, it ensures that safety standards are met without duplicative oversight.
“This global partnership moves advanced air mobility forward and fosters the collaboration needed to bring AAM to our skies safely and efficiently.” , Ed Bolen, NBAA President and CEO
U.S. Leadership and the FAA’s SFAR
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been at the forefront of AAM regulation, introducing a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) tailored for AAM in October 2024. This regulation provides a pathway for certification and operational approval of eVTOLs and similar aircraft within the U.S. airspace system.
The SFAR outlines requirements for pilot qualifications, maintenance protocols, airworthiness standards, and integration into existing air traffic control systems. It reflects years of collaboration between the FAA, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and industry stakeholders through initiatives like the NBAA AAM Roundtable.
NBAA’s involvement has been instrumental in shaping the SFAR, ensuring that it reflects both industry innovation and regulatory rigor. The association also played a key role in advocating for language in the FAA reauthorization bill that promotes international regulatory harmonization for AAM.
Global Implications and Market Potential
The global AAM market is projected to grow significantly in the coming decade. While estimates vary, industry analysts forecast a market value ranging from $20 billion to over $50 billion annually by the late 2020s, depending on adoption rates and regulatory timelines. Harmonized certification standards are seen as a foundational enabler of this growth.
Countries participating in this partnership represent some of the most advanced aviation ecosystems in the world. Their collaborative approach not only sets a precedent for other nations but also strengthens their position in shaping the global AAM narrative. This is particularly important as competition intensifies among manufacturers and technology hubs.
Moreover, the partnership supports global supply chains and encourages investment in aerospace innovation. It also aligns with broader trends in sustainability and urban mobility, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to ground-based transport in congested cities.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Regulatory Complexity and Harmonization
Despite the promise of harmonization, aligning regulatory approaches across countries is no small feat. Each nation has its own aviation authority, legal frameworks, and operational environments. Reconciling these differences while maintaining high safety standards requires ongoing dialogue, transparency, and trust among regulators.
One of the key challenges lies in balancing innovation with public safety. AAM technologies are still evolving, and real-world operational data is limited. Regulators must remain agile, updating standards as new information becomes available while avoiding overly rigid frameworks that could stifle innovation.
Nevertheless, the five-country partnership represents a proactive step toward overcoming these hurdles. By sharing safety data, test results, and operational insights, the participating nations can build a more robust and adaptive regulatory ecosystem.
Industry Readiness and Public Perception
While regulators lay the groundwork, industry players must demonstrate technical readiness and operational viability. Several eVTOL manufacturers are conducting test flights and working toward certification. However, scaling operations will require robust infrastructure, including vertiports, charging stations, and integration with existing air traffic systems.
Public perception will also play a pivotal role in AAM adoption. Concerns around noise, safety, and airspace congestion must be addressed through transparent communication, community engagement, and demonstrable safety records. The partnership’s emphasis on safety and harmonization helps build public trust in these new technologies.
NBAA and other industry groups are expected to continue their advocacy and educational efforts, ensuring that both policymakers and the public understand the benefits and limitations of AAM.
Looking Forward: A Global Blueprint
The five-nation agreement could serve as a blueprint for broader international collaboration. Organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are already exploring global standards for AAM, and the momentum generated by this partnership could accelerate those efforts.
As more nations develop their own AAM strategies, the need for interoperability and mutual recognition will become increasingly critical. The partnership’s roadmap offers a practical model for how countries can work together to foster innovation while safeguarding public interests.
Ultimately, the success of AAM depends not just on technology, but on the ability of governments, industry, and communities to collaborate effectively. The five-nation pact is a promising step in that direction.
Conclusion
The international partnership announced at the Paris Air Show marks a pivotal moment for advanced air mobility. By aligning certification and safety standards, the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK are laying the groundwork for a globally interconnected AAM ecosystem. This coordination is essential to accelerate market readiness, reduce regulatory friction, and ensure public confidence in these transformative technologies.
As the AAM sector moves from concept to reality, continued collaboration will be key. With the support of organizations like NBAA and the leadership of forward-thinking regulators, the vision of safe, efficient, and sustainable air mobility is becoming increasingly attainable. The skies of tomorrow are being shaped today, through partnership, precision, and purpose.
FAQ
What is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)?
AAM refers to the use of innovative aircraft, such as eVTOLs, to provide on-demand passenger and cargo transportation in urban and regional settings.
What is the purpose of the five-nation partnership?
The partnership aims to harmonize certification and safety standards for AAM aircraft to facilitate global integration and deployment.
How does the FAA’s SFAR support AAM?
The Special Federal Aviation Regulation provides a regulatory framework for certifying and operating AAM aircraft in the U.S., guiding manufacturers and operators through the approval process.
When will AAM services become commercially available?
Some manufacturers are targeting initial operations within 1–3 years, depending on regulatory approvals and infrastructure development.
Why is international harmonization important?
It reduces regulatory barriers, lowers costs, and ensures consistent safety standards across borders, enabling broader adoption of AAM technologies.
Sources: NBAA, FAA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Paris Air Show 2025, faa.gov, nbaa.org, akingump.com
Photo Credit: AI Generated
Regulations & Safety
FAA Launches MedGuide Medication Database for Aviators
The FAA launched MedGuide on Oct. 1, 2026, giving pilots and air traffic controllers an official tool to verify medication compliance.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an interactive online database on October 1, 2026, designed to help pilots and air traffic controllers determine whether specific prescription and over-the-counter medications are acceptable for flight duties.
Dubbed MedGuide, the platform addresses a longstanding information gap that previously required aviators to consult scattered third-party lists or contact Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) directly to verify medication compliance. The official release arrives as the agency faces mounting congressional pressure to modernize its aeromedical clearance processes and improve transparency for aviation professionals.
Navigating the new medication database
The initial release of the tool, designated as Version 1.0, intentionally includes only medications that the FAA categorizes as allowed for use during flight or safety-related duties. Users can search for specific pharmacological treatments to verify their compliance status and review any associated operational restrictions.
A core component of the new guidance is the formalization of wait periods. The FAA established a standard minimum wait time required before an aviator can return to the flight deck or radar screen after beginning a new treatment regimen.
“When starting a new medication, in most cases, a 48-hour wait time is required before returning to safety-related duties. This period allows the medication to take effect and ensures no aeromedically significant side effects develop,” the FAA stated in its official MedGuide documentation.
The agency explicitly noted that the presence of a medication on the allowed list does not automatically clear an aviator to fly. The underlying medical condition being treated must also be evaluated for clinical stability. The FAA stressed that the online tool is not intended to replace an individualized assessment by a certified AME.
Industry response to aeromedical transparency
Prior to the launch of MedGuide, pilots and air traffic controllers lacked a centralized, official, and public-facing database to check medication compliance. Aviators frequently had to rely on advisory services provided by industry associations or direct consultations with medical professionals. This fragmented approach often created uncertainty and administrative delays when aviators attempted to verify their medical status before applying for or renewing a medical certificate.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the new platform, noting that it provides the definitive guidance flight crews have long requested.
“Pilots are accustomed to clear, if-then directions, and MedGuide offers a more direct way to understand both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including any wait time after an initial or subsequent dose,” said Mark Larsen, Director of Safety and Flight Operations for the NBAA.
Larsen added that the tool equips aviators to make safe, fit-for-flight decisions about medication use, calling the database a significant step in the right direction for the industry.
Legislative mandates and rulemaking origins
The development of MedGuide by the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM) stems directly from industry feedback and formal regulatory review. The AAM is responsible for the medical certification of all U.S. civil airmen and the medical clearance of air traffic control specialists, overseeing the national network of AMEs.
On April 1, 2024, the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) issued a report to the FAA containing 24 specific recommendations. The committee identified a critical need for accessible, transparent medical information, which spurred the creation of the MedGuide platform.
The October 1, 2026, launch also coincides with significant legislative action in Washington. On September 24, 2026, the U.S. Senate passed the Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026 (S. 3258). The bipartisan bill requires the FAA to publicly list medications that aviation professionals can safely use, as well as those they should avoid, along with specific wait times.
On the same day, the Senate passed the John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act (S. 3257), which mandates the FAA to update mental health guidance and improve the efficiency of the Special Issuance Medical Certification process. Both bills are currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Over the next several months, the FAA plans to expand the MedGuide database in subsequent releases. Future iterations will include conditionally acceptable medications, prohibited medications, and guidance on additional underlying medical conditions.
AirPro News analysis
We view the launch of MedGuide as a necessary operational shift for the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine. By publishing an official, public-facing database, the regulator is moving away from a historically opaque clearance process that often generated anxiety among aviators seeking routine medical care. The timing of Version 1.0 is highly strategic. Releasing the tool just days after the Senate passed S. 3258 allows the FAA to demonstrate proactive compliance with the core requirements of the legislation before it potentially becomes law.
Offloading routine medication queries to an automated, self-service system should incrementally reduce the administrative burden on Aviation Medical Examiners. By empowering pilots to independently verify the status of common over-the-counter and prescription drugs, AMEs and the AAM can theoretically redirect their resources toward processing the persistent backlog of complex Special Issuance cases.
Photo Credit: FAA
Regulations & Safety
FAA Proposes Torque Inspection AD for 980 Airbus Helicopters
FAA NPRM targets AS350, AS355, and EC130 helicopters over a nut retainer coating flaw that risks main rotor servo-control disconnection.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) mandating torque inspections on the main rotor servo-controls of 980 Airbus Helicopters AS350, AS355, and EC130 aircraft registered in the United States.
Published as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on October 19, 2026, the regulatory action addresses a mechanical vulnerability where paint or protective coating on a nut retainer can cause a loss of tightening torque. If left undetected, the FAA warns this condition could lead to the disconnection of the upper ball bearing end from the main rotor (MR) servo-control. Such a failure would result in a complete loss of helicopter control.
Inspection requirements and compliance timelines
The proposed directive targets specific members of the Airbus Helicopters Ecureuil family. The affected models include the AS350B3, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters. Under the FAA proposal, operators must perform an initial inspection of the nut tightening torque on the upper ball bearing end of all MR servo-controls within 165 flight hours or six months, whichever occurs first.
The NPRM also outlines strict requirements for follow-up inspections to ensure ongoing safety. Any time an MR servo-control featuring an affected part is installed or reinstalled on an aircraft, maintenance personnel must conduct a subsequent torque check. This secondary inspection must take place between two and 10 flight hours after the installation is complete.
The FAA is accepting public comments on the NPRM through December 3, 2026. Following the closure of the comment period, the agency is expected to review industry feedback and issue a final rule mandating the inspections. The current regulatory action is classified as an interim measure. Airbus Helicopters is actively developing a permanent design change to the nut retainer that will eliminate the problematic paint or protective coating entirely, which will likely prompt further regulatory updates once certified.
Tracing the servo-control vulnerability
The engineering investigation that led to the current NPRM originated with a different Airbus Helicopters product line. In 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) received reports of two separate instances where torque was lost between the upper ball bearing end and the MR servo-control on Dauphin and EC155 helicopters. In one of those documented cases, the components completely disconnected in flight.
That discovery prompted EASA to issue an AD for the Dauphin family on June 6, 2024. The FAA subsequently mirrored that action with its own directive for U.S.-registered Dauphin helicopters on July 10, 2025. Following those initial reports, Airbus Helicopters launched a broader engineering analysis to determine the root cause of the torque loss. The manufacturer concluded that the presence of paint or protective coating on the lock washer and nut retainer compromised the friction required to maintain proper tightening torque over time.
During this investigation, the manufacturer determined that the AS350, AS355, and EC130 families share this exact design vulnerability in their main rotor flight control systems. In response to these findings, Airbus Helicopters issued Alert Service Bulletins on April 1, 2026, mandating torque checks across the affected Ecureuil fleet. EASA followed up by issuing AD 2026-0132 on July 8, 2026, to mandate the inspections for European operators. The FAA publication of the NPRM on October 19, 2026, aligns U.S. regulations with the European mandates.
Market context and fleet impact
The Airbus Helicopters Ecureuil family, currently marketed under the H125 and H130 designations, represents one of the most successful light utility helicopter programs in aviation history. Airbus Helicopters has delivered more than 7,200 Ecureuil family aircraft worldwide.
The large number of affected U.S. aircraft reflects the heavy utilization of the type across the country. The AS350 and EC130 platforms are heavily utilized across the aviation industry for critical missions, including law enforcement, emergency medical services, aerial firefighting, powerline maintenance, and passenger transport. The 980 helicopters of U.S. registry represent a significant portion of the active domestic rotorcraft fleet.
AirPro News analysis
The sheer volume of U.S.-registered aircraft affected by this NPRM highlights the industry reliance on the AS350 and EC130 platforms. With 980 airframes requiring initial and recurring torque checks, maintenance providers and fleet operators will need to carefully schedule these inspections to avoid grounding critical public service assets. Because the FAA 165-hour compliance window is relatively short for high-utilization operators like air medical and police units, we expect a rapid mobilization of maintenance personnel once the final rule is published. The recurring inspection requirement for newly installed parts will also add a layer of logistical complexity for maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities until Airbus Helicopters can field its permanent hardware redesign.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Regulations & Safety
Istanbul to Host International Aviation Law Conference on Sanctions, Drones and AI
Hudson Morgan Williams’ International Aviation Law Conference, November 5–6, 2026, features former ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano as keynote speaker and six panels ranging from arbitration to eVTOLs.
The International Aviation Law Conference will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, on November 5–6, 2026, bringing together aviation lawyers, regulators, academics and airline and airport executives. The event opens with an invitation-only gala dinner on Thursday, November 5, followed by a full conference day at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski on Friday, November 6. The organisers expect more than 300 attendees and more than 20 speakers.
The conference is organised by Hudson Morgan Williams, a London-based law firm, which describes it as the first Aviation Law Conference in Istanbul. AirPro News is a media partner of the conference.
Six panels, from arbitration to eVTOLs
The conference day opens with a panel on the future of aviation law and the role of arbitration courts, covering aircraft lease and financing disputes, aviation insurance and liability, and contract enforcement. A second panel looks at sanctions and their impact on aviation, including leasing and finance, compliance and jurisdictional challenges. A third turns to the integration of drones into global airspace, from defence and border-security drones to unmanned traffic management and passenger drones.
After the networking lunch, Salvatore Sciacchitano gives the keynote speech at 13:50. The afternoon panels cover how AI will shape the future of aviation, including liability, insurance and regulation; how smart airports and cost-effective airlines can make aviation cheaper to operate; and urban air mobility and eVTOL aircraft, with certification, vertiport regulation, passenger rights, insurance and noise on the agenda.
The organisers note that the programme and speakers are subject to change, and the line-up for each panel has not been announced yet.
Speakers
Sciacchitano led the ICAO Council from 2020 to 2025, a period that included the adoption of the long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050. He previously served as Executive Secretary of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and as Deputy Director General of ENAC, Italy’s civil aviation authority, and is now an ICAO Goodwill Ambassador.
Güliz Öztürk has been CEO of Pegasus Airlines since 2022, after serving as the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer from 2010.
Speakers listed on the conference website also include:
- Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of İGA Istanbul Airport
- Utku Coşar, independent arbitrator and Vice President of the LCIA Court
- Prof. Dr. Elmar Giemulla, professor of aviation law and attorney in Berlin and New York
- Prof. Francesca Pellegrino, Professor of Air and Space Law at the University of Messina
- Haydar Yalçın, former Deputy Director General of Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation
- Tasman Tam, barrister in Hong Kong
- Afgan Bakhishov, Advisor to the Chairman of Azerbaijan Airlines
- Mesut Yılmaz, eVTOL Program Director at Gözen Holding
Pegasus Airlines and Corendon Airlines are among the conference’s sponsors, alongside the Turkic Arbitration Association, the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University, Özyeğin University and Studio Legale Pierallini, with Argela as a supporter.
Why Istanbul
Istanbul is the home base of Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, and İGA Istanbul Airport ranks among Europe’s busiest airports. The city will also host the Istanbul Aviation Forum on April 27–28, 2027.
How to attend
Tickets for the conference day cost €250 per attendee, and the gala dinner is by invitation only. The full programme, speaker list and registration are available on the International Aviation Law Conference 2026 website.
The conference is also listed in the AirPro News Aviation & Aerospace Events Calendar 2026–2027.
Photo Credit: Hudson Morgan Williams
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