---
title: "VTOL-capable aircraft — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Article 1, Regulation (EU) No 748/2012: “VTOL-capable aircraft” (VCA) means a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft other than aeroplane or rotorcraft…"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/vtol-capable-aircraft"
---

# VTOL-capable aircraft

EASA defines “VTOL-capable aircraft” in one regulation. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

> “VTOL-capable aircraft” (VCA) means a power-driven, heavier-than-air aircraft other than aeroplane or rotorcraft, capable of performing vertical take-off and landing by means of lift and thrust units used to provide lift during the take-off and landing.

Article 1 · Initial Airworthiness and Environmental Protection · Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Nov 2025 revision · [Read Article 1](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/initial-airworthiness/cover-regulation/general#article-1)

## Defined in the same article

- [article](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/article)
- [complex motor-powered aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/complex-motor-powered-aircraft)
- [control and monitoring unit (CMU)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/control-and-monitoring-unit)
- [control and monitoring unit component](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/control-and-monitoring-unit-component)
- [ELA1 aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/ela1-aircraft)
- [ELA2 aircraft](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/ela2-aircraft)
- [EPA](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/epa)
- [ETSO](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/etso)