For those unfamiliar with EUROCAE, can you explain what it does and why standardisation matters for new aircraft technologies?
"EUROCAE is a standardisation organisation. We offer a framework for our members to gather and create high quality standards that will support aviation safety. Those standards are globally accepted and are recognised by many aviation authorities. Standardisation is a powerful tool for new emerging aviation and aircraft technologies. It provides guidance for newcomers, ensuring the technology maintains an adequate level of safety while reflecting the current technological state of the art."

How does the consensus standardisation process work in practice?
"Consensus standards are robust; this is what makes them so interesting for regulators and the industry. To achieve consensus is a long process, starting by identifying the problem that the standard will resolve, and the best way to approach it.

“The consensus will be built from the first meeting, by making sure all interested stakeholders can join the work, by having open discussions and considering all options. Our open consultation process for example allows everyone in the world to provide comments on an ongoing document. Those comments will be considered and reviewed by the editorial team, ensuring that even non-EUROCAE members can have a say on the document.

“By enforcing this practice, EUROCAE is compliant with the World Trade Organisation Code of Good Practice for the Preparation, Adoption and Application of Standards. Consensus standards might take time, but it is also proof of quality to ensure so many experts from different organisations can participate in this work. This variety of expertise contributes to produce a document fit for purpose and ready to be globally recognised."

Can you tell us more about the work being done in WG-112 on eVTOL Lift/Thrust?
"WG-112 ‘eVTOL’ is one of the biggest working groups at EUROCAE, bringing together 651 experts from 194 different organisations across 36 different countries. WG-112 aims to develop the appropriate industry standards necessary as Acceptable Means of Compliance to support the Special Condition on VTOL aircraft by EASA.

“WG-112 is divided into seven active subgroups, SG-1 Electrical Systems, SG-2 Lift/Thrust System, SG-3 Safety Assessment/Security, SG-4 Flight Performance, SG-5 Ground Infrastructure, SG-6 Avionics and SG-9 Electromagnetic Hazards.

“WG-112 SG-2 ‘Lift/Thrust’ work is focused on common mode analysis and rotor burst analysis for enhanced category, two documents that have been produced by the group: ED-334 Guidance for Common Mode Analysis for Lift/Thrust System for VTOL Enhanced Category, and ED-306 Design Considerations for VTOL Aircraft Protection from Uncontained High-Energy Fragments and Sustained Imbalance."

What's the current focus of WG-80 on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems?
"WG-80 ‘Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems’ is developing a suite of standards to support the introduction of hydrogen-powered aviation. The work covers hydrogen storage and distribution (both liquid and gaseous), fuel cell propulsion, fuelling operations and safety, regulatory approaches, and common industry terminology."

What progress is WG-113 making on Hybrid Electric Propulsion standards?
"WG-113 ‘Hybrid Electric Propulsion’ has published 'Guidance on Durability Substantiation for Electric and Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems (EHPS)', helping demonstrate system reliability throughout the aircraft lifecycle."

You'll be touching on the link between advanced air mobility and military applications – what should attendees know about this crossover?
"Today the link between advanced air mobility and military applications is of growing importance. Dual-case application of technologies, using civilian technologies for military purposes, is becoming increasingly frequent, blurring the lines of what could be considered as a weapon or not.

“In parallel, industry is racing to deliver the latest technologies to military users and, in a world where communication and swiftness are more important than ever, alliances are struggling to ensure interoperable equipment. Standardisation offers multiple solutions to those challenges, with dual-use civilian-military standards, compatible in both frameworks; ensuring interoperability between different countries; and supporting military integration of RPAS systems into civilian airspace. Standardisation is already used by the military, ensuring that innovative aerial technologies are supported is also part of our objective."

Why is industry participation so important to standards work?
"Standards can only be made by the expertise of the users. Industry participation is key to participating in those document developments, bringing their expertise to the table. They will set the minimum threshold and, by doing so, raise industry levels across the sector. I encourage any organisations wishing to participate to join EUROCAE. You will be able to join working groups of interest and contribute to the development of high-quality standards. EUROCAE is partnering with different other SDOs to ensure that the work being produced here has a global impact and is recognised in all parts of the world."

What's the one key message you want attendees to leave your session with?
"Standards are built upon the expertise of members. Your expertise is needed to support both aviation safety and industry development. Be present at the table, make your voice heard, join a Standard Development Organisation to support the future of aviation."