Vertical Aerospace has successfully completed the first piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL aircraft in open airspace.
The VX4 prototype, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, demonstrated a flawless takeoff, controlled wingborne flight, and landing, all executed with the precision and handling characteristics of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft.
The flight took place over the UK countryside, departing from Cotswold Airport. This milestone is seen as a crucial step forward in Vertical Aerospace’s Flightpath 2030 strategy, which aims to bring safe, quiet, and efficient eVTOL passenger aircraft into commercial operation by the end of the decade.
Chief Test Pilot, Simon Davies, said, “Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we’ve done.
“There are aircraft which are safe and capable but not always enjoyable to fly. The VX4 was not only safe but was an absolute pleasure. It is responsive, smooth, simple to operate and the sound level from the propellers is quiet and pleasant in the cockpit. An honour to fly, and a real testament to the incredible team behind it.”
Stuart Simpson, Vertical Aerospace CEO, said, “Achieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA is an important moment in our certification journey. Operating under the UK’s rigorous regulatory framework means we share the burden of safety with our regulator – every step must be approved, and that’s by design. It amounts to a mini certification of our prototype and gives us a clearer, faster path to type certification.
“Our decision to put a pilot into the VX4 early was deliberate – real-world piloted flight delivers insights no simulation can. This milestone proves the capability of the aircraft and the maturity of our programme as we move toward commercial operations.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) played a pivotal role in approving the flight by extending Vertical’s Permit to Fly, following an exhaustive review process that examined tens of thousands of pages of safety and technical documentation.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the company currently holds a unique position as the only firm worldwide operating a piloted winged eVTOL prototype developed under the CAA’s Design Organisation Approval (DOA). This certification is a critical prerequisite for obtaining a Type Certificate, which is mandatory for commercial passenger operations.
Furthermore, the CAA is collaborating closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to validate and certify the VX4 under the most stringent safety standards. This cooperative regulatory approach reflects the industry’s commitment to ensuring that eVTOL aircraft meet all requirements for safe, reliable, and scalable urban air mobility.
