CAAC: Airworthiness Standards for Normal Category Power-lift UAS
Draft for Comments
On February 24, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) released two draft airworthiness standards for public consultation, further advancing its regulatory framework for uncrewed aircraft systems.
The documents—Airworthiness Standards for Normal Category Power-lift Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Not for Carrying Persons) (Draft for Comments) and Airworthiness Standards for Normal Category Multi-rotor Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Not for Carrying Persons) (Draft for Comments)—are open for public comment through March 15, 2026.
The draft standards for normal category power-lift unmanned aircraft systems would apply to aircraft with a maximum certificated take-off weight above 150 kilograms and up to 5,700 kilograms that are not intended to carry persons.
The proposed rules cover aircraft capable of integrated flight operations or operations over densely populated areas, including compound-wing and tilt-wing configurations, and both fuel- and electric-powered propulsion systems.
The draft standards for normal category multi-rotor unmanned aircraft systems would apply to aircraft defined under the Rules for the Operation Safety Management of Civil Unmanned Aircraft (CCAR-92) that operate in integrated airspace or above densely populated ground areas, and that are not used for carrying persons.
The standards encompass multi-rotor aircraft powered by fuel, electricity, or other energy sources.
The release follows two draft standards issued in December 2025—Airworthiness Standards for Power-lift Aircraft (Draft for Comments) and Airworthiness Standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Restricted Category (Draft for Comments).
This article provides an English translation of the Airworthiness Standards for Normal Category Power-lift Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Not for Carrying Persons) (Draft for Comments).
Let’s get into it.