Murzilli Consulting’s regulatory newsletter for the latest in UAS, eVTOL and AAM/IAM updates.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published ED Decision 2025/018/R, formally introducing SORA 2.5 into the European regulatory framework. The decision amends the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, embedding the latest version of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment developed by JARUS.
Compared to SORA 2.0, the new framework delivers:
🔸 Simplifications to remove ambiguities identified during four years of practical application
🔸 A more proportionate approach to cybersecurity, with mandatory vulnerability assessments only above SAIL III
🔸 Clearer allocation of responsibilities between operators, design organisations and production organisations in Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs)
🔸 Revised definitions of robustness levels (low, medium, high), aligned with oversight practices
🔸 Updated terminology and harmonised operational concepts (e.g. replacing EVLOS with “BVLOS with AO”)
🔸 Enhanced guidance for containment, population density mapping and operational volumes
SORA 2.5 now applies across EASA Member States, creating a more harmonised, safe and efficient framework for drone operations in the Specific Category.
EASA has also published a new revision of the Easy Access Rules for Continuing Airworthiness (EAR for CAW), incorporating Corrigendum II to ED Decision 2023/019/R. The revision updates training and licensing requirements for maintenance personnel and strengthens the overall framework for continuing airworthiness across Europe.
The regulation establishes uniform requirements for the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products within the EU, clarifying the roles and obligations of owners, operators, Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMOs) and maintenance organisations.
Key changes include:
🔸 Part-66 updates: adjustments to maintenance licensing and competence frameworks for certifying staff
🔸 Part-M and Part-CAMO provisions outlining responsibilities for airworthiness management and compliance
🔸 Maintenance standards: requirements for planning, performance, and record-keeping
🔸 Airworthiness review certificates (ARC): enhanced processes for issuance and renewal
🔸 Oversight for non-commercial operations: including provisions for complex and general aviation aircraft
🔸 Alignment with Part-145 and safety management principles: integration with risk-based oversight to support harmonised application across the EU
Together, these updates reinforce a high, uniform level of aviation safety while supporting efficiency and regulatory harmonisation across Member States.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy h has announced the launch of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The initiative follows President Trump’s Executive Order on drone dominance and is designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) in the United States.
The eIPP will run a series of pilot projects over the next three years, with a strong focus on collaboration and safe integration into US airspace.
The scope of operations includes:
🔸 Short-range air taxis
🔸 Longer-range, fixed-wing flights
🔸 Cargo logistics and supply
🔸 Emergency management and medical transport
🔸 Support for offshore energy facilities
🔸 Increased automation and safety trials
And key elements of the programme include:
🔸 Partnerships between federal, state, local and tribal governments with private AAM developers
🔸 At least five large-scale operational trials to test real-world use cases
🔸 Airspace integration measures for piloted and unmanned AAM aircraft over 1,320 lbs
The FAA will use insights from the eIPP to inform future frameworks for scalable, commercial AAM services.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published CAP3169, setting out its strategy to enable initial commercial passenger eVTOL flights by the end of 2028.
The eVTOL Delivery Model outlines the regulatory frameworks, operational systems, and policy positions needed to integrate advanced air mobility safely into UK airspace.
Key elements include:
🔸 Delivery Roadmap to 2028: A phased plan covering airspace integration, safety assurance, certification pathways, and infrastructure needs
🔸 Emerging Policy Positions: Cross-cutting regulatory principles across airworthiness, pilot licensing, ATM, vertiports, and more
🔸 Systems Approach: Emphasises collaboration with industry and alignment with existing aviation, including helicopters and general aviation
🔸 Regulatory Readiness: Describes steps to ensure the UK’s aviation ecosystem can support safe and scalable eVTOL operations
CAP3169 reinforces the CAA’s commitment to shaping a clear and collaborative path for advanced air mobility in the UK.
Alongside CAP3169, the UK CAA has released CAP3171, proposing amendments to the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) for UK Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and 2019/947.
The document explains how to apply the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology to UAS operations in both the Open and Specific Categories. It aims to provide greater clarity for operators and manufacturers while strengthening risk-based oversight.
Key proposals include:
🔸 Remote Pilot Training: Revised standards for training content, instructor qualifications, and competency assessments
🔸 Operational Authorisations: Clarified guidance on documentation and responsibilities when declaring operations using standard scenarios
🔸 Manufacturer Obligations: New expectations around technical files and documentation required for product compliance
🔸 Risk-Based Oversight: Streamlined approaches for lower-risk operations and updated interpretation of the SORA
🔸 Urban Airspace Considerations: Improved clarity on UAS use in more complex environments like urban or congested areas
The consultation is open until 16 November 2025, with contributions invited from operators, manufacturers, training organisations and other stakeholders.
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See you in the skies and beyond,
Team Murzilli
The activities developed by M&K UAS & SPACE SPAIN SL according to the requirements expressed in the International ISO 9001: 2015 standard are:
Consultancy and training services on Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) and Flight Procedure Design (FPD).
The main points of action issued by the management in the quality policy statement issued by the management are:
Our quality commitment to all the interested parties (customer, suppliers, stakeholders, employees, competence and public administration) leads us to provide reliable and effective products and services. These product and services are provided worldwide in compliance with the regulatory requirements and in full alignment with our company values.
The Quality culture and mindset is promoted through proper training to each member of M&K UAS & SAPCE SPAIN SL so that everybody has full awareness of the quality importance.
Management makes this policy accessible and available to its customers, its employees, suppliers and the general public
The Policy is kept up-to-date through periodic reviews, coinciding with the management review of the system, in order to take into account changes in environmental conditions and the information received. In this sense, the management provides and will provide all the human, technical and economic resources needed to achieve the objectives and targets established scheduled and periodically.
07/01/2025. Ed. 1.
Chief Executive Office
