Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, announced significant progress in its piloted transition flight testing phase, achieving key milestones since receiving its Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on 13 November 2025.
Ten Flights Completed Expanding Transition Envelope Through Speed and Tilt Positions
The full-scale prototype has completed ten flights since this Permit to Fly was issued, expanding the majority of the transition envelope, including acceleration and deceleration through a wide range of speeds and tilt positions.
Final 10% of Tilt Transition Remaining, Full Piloted Transition Expected in Early 2026
With the final 10% of tilt transition remaining after all test phases to date, full piloted transition is expected in early 2026. This reflects the structured progression of the test programme alongside limited flight-test windows and weather constraints at this stage.
In-Flight Deployment of Rear Propellers, Spin-Up, and Prop-Hold Achieved
Recent flights are delivering valuable data as the team expands the flight envelope and refines the flight-control and EPU software. Several first-time achievements have been completed, including in-flight deployment and stow of the rear propellers, spin-up during wingborne flight, and prop-hold functionality, marking meaningful steps forward in validating the aircraft’s behaviour through the transition regime.
CAA Oversight and Additional Privileges Granted to Vertical Aerospace
Vertical is conducting piloted transition testing under full CAA oversight and has recently been granted additional privileges by the regulator to approve Flight Conditions and issue its own Permits to Fly under defined circumstances.
“Excellent Progress as We Close in on Full Piloted Transition” – Stuart Simpson, CEO
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “Our team continues to make excellent progress as we close in on full piloted transition flight. Achieving this level of performance under CAA oversight is a major validation of our engineering approach and a critical milestone as we move toward certification. These results give us real confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities and in the path ahead as we prepare for the next phase of testing in the new year.”
