Energy, Innovation and Real-World Safety: EASA at the Rotorcraft Symposium and EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025
This year’s EASA Rotorcraft Symposium and EUROPEAN ROTORS brought the rotorcraft community together for a week of real discussions, practical learning and forward-looking innovation. From technical panels in Cologne to hands-on demonstrations in Lisbon, EASA used both events to collaborate, listen and share new safety developments shaping the sector.
A Packed EASA Rotorcraft Symposium with Big Safety Themes
The Symposium offered a full day of insights from EASA specialists and industry experts, covering everything from SE-IFR certification and crashworthiness upgrades, to icing operations, safety data trends, cybersecurity, and mental health support for crews.
Participants heard updates on certification policy, performance classes, rule simplification and the latest operational safety risks. The agenda reflected the challenges operators face today—and the opportunities the community has to tackle them together.
EUROPEAN ROTORS
At EUROPEAN ROTORS, EASA took part in the educational programme and connected with operators, pilots, engineers, training organisations and young professionals across the show. The conversations spanned new technologies, safety tools, regulatory updates and real-world operational experiences.
Six Standout EASA Moments from the Week
Hoist Demo on the Rhine
EASA, Airbus Helicopters and the air-rescue operators ADAC Luftrettung and DRF Luftrettung brought helicopter missions to life through a live hoist demonstration on the River Rhine, showing how rotorcraft save lives when every second counts.
Supplemental Type Certificate for Rotor Strike Alerting System (RSAS)
EASA issued an STC to Aerotech for an RSAS on the Airbus AS350, enabling pilots to receive alerts during low-speed and hover operations when in proximity to obstacles and terrain. The system represents a clear net safety benefit for aerial work and other low-level missions.
Launch of Leonardo’s Virtual Reality Level III Simulator
EASA joined Leonardo Helicopters at EUROPEAN ROTORS to officially launch the new VR Level III training device, previously certified in September. The simulator introduces advanced immersive training capabilities for rotorcraft crews.
Safety Demonstrations and New Videos in the Rotor Safety Zone
The Rotor Safety Zone, hosted by ESPN-R as part of EASA’s Safety Promotion programme, featured practical safety demonstrations and discussions covering topics such as decision-making (“How to Say No”), human factors, sling load operations, VFR weather, upset recovery, safety management and ¡Conspicuity. ESPN-R also released two new safety videos (with associated articles) focusing on “how to say no” to avoid commercial pressure when making safety decisions and the use of ¡Conspicuity solutions to prevent mid-air collision avoidance.
Career Day and Rotorthon
EASA supported youth engagement activities designed to attract new talent into the rotorcraft sector, including the annual Career Day and Rotorthon, which brought students and young professionals together to explore aviation safety challenges and develop innovative solutions that were presented to the industry on the final day of the event.
Industry Dialogue at the EASA Booth
Throughout European Rotors, EASA hosted numerous discussions with operators, manufacturers and training representatives. These exchanges helped show the human side of the Agency and provided valuable insights on current operational challenges, innovation priorities and regulatory needs.
A Stronger Safety Community
Between the Symposium and EUROPEAN ROTORS, the week showcased what makes the rotorcraft sector unique: a hands-on, collaborative community focused on improving safety every day. EASA would like to thank everyone who contributed to the discussions, demonstrations and ideas that will help shape the next steps for rotorcraft safety in Europe.
See you in Lyon for EUROPEAN ROTORS 2026 from 30 November (EASA Rotorcraft Symposium) to December 3.
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