The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 13, 2026, issued the Guidance for Approval of Combined Airworthiness Organization for Vertical Take-Off and Landing Capable Aircraft (CAO-VCA).
The following has been stated:
• The Circular prescribes the guidance and maintenance requirements for approval of a Combined Airworthiness Organisation (CAO-VCA) for non-pressurised, electric VTOL-capable aircraft intended for Advanced Air Mobility, with MTOW up to 5,700 kg and seating capacity of up to 9 passengers.
• The circular establishes requirements for maintenance and continuing airworthiness management, including organisation manuals, facilities, personnel and certifying staff, components/tools, maintenance data, certification and record-keeping, compliance monitoring, information security and organisational changes. CAO-VCA approval follows a five-phase process: pre-application, formal application, document evaluation, inspection/demonstration and certification.
• It also provides requirements for VCA maintenance licensing/authorisation, including eligibility of existing B1, B2, B3 and C licence holders. It proposes a new B1.E licence sub-category for electric-propulsion aircraft up to 5,700 kg. The circular further prescribes maintenance standards, certification through Certificates of Release to Service (CRS), continuing-airworthiness requirements and retention of relevant records.
[Notification No. - AAC No. 03 of 2026]
