Britains aviation regulator is investigating vertiport designs as part of plans to bring flying taxis to the UK.
By adapting existing infrastructure, the CAA plans to abridge the path to lift-off.
The regulator notes that there are already hundreds of airfields spread across the UK.
Equipping them with vertiports could create a domestic transport connection for VTOLs.
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One involves the flexibility of VTOLs.
As these aircraft can takeoff, hover, and land vertically, they dont require runways to operate.
Another attraction is their manoeuvrability.Theyre capable of navigating limited spaces, which makes them potentially suitable for urban transport.
With electric versions (eVTOLs) gaining traction, they could also reduce carbon emissions.
Still, not everyone is a fan.
Critics argue that theyre impractical and that public funding would be better spent on existing public transport.
There are also fears that VTOLs will only be available to the ludicrously wealthy.
For the CAA, however, theyre a compelling option for the future.
By adapting existing aerodromes, the regulator is hoping that this future wont be far away.
The consultation closes on March 15.
Responses can be made via the CAAsdedicated webpage.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
