Vertical Aerospace Receives Flight Permit to Begin Piloted Transition Tests of the VX4
13 Nov 2025
London, UK; New York, USA; Phoenix, USA – November 13, 2025 – Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace technology company pioneering electric aviation, announced that it has received Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling it to begin Phase 4 – Transition of its VX4 prototype flight test program.
This regulatory approval marks a key milestone by authorizing the VX4’s transition maneuver testing, in which the aircraft moves from hovering (“helicopter mode”) to wing-supported flight (“airplane mode”).
The first flight of this phase was piloted by Vertical’s test pilot, Paul Stone, at 10:11 a.m. GMT, November 13, 2025.
“Phase 4 – Transition” represents the final stage of the VX4 test program and follows Phases 1-3, which confirmed the model’s excellent flight characteristics, including its performance in open airspace.
Prior to reaching this stage, the engineering and testing teams completed an extensive series of simulations, ground tests, and flight tests, verifying more than 200 minimum aviation safety requirements in collaboration with the CAA. To support the authorization, Vertical submitted more than 20,000 pages of technical and safety documentation.
Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson stated:
“Receiving our Permit to Fly and initiating Phase 4 marks a defining moment for Vertical Aerospace. Our team has spent months verifying every system under strict regulatory oversight. This step demonstrates the VX4’s unique transition capability and represents a crucial technical and certification advancement.”
With this approval, Vertical Aerospace remains on track to complete transition testing before the end of 2025, solidifying its position as a leader in the race toward certified and safe electric aviation.
Source and Credits to Vertical Aerospace
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