Lilium completes final EASA DOA audit

Lilium, the developer of the Lilium Jet fixed-wing eVTOL, has successfully completed its final design organization approval (DOA) audit with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The company stated that successful completion of the audit is a key milestone towards becoming an EASA DOA holder, and ‘demonstrates that Lilium has the necessary organization, procedures, competencies, and resources to design and certify aircraft’.

Lilium applied for an EASA DOA in 2017. It now enters the final phase of the DOA process – the follow-up and closure of outstanding actions and administrative steps to complete the process. The company hopes to complete this phase and receive a DOA certificate later this year.

“In simple terms, a design organization approval can be thought of as a ‘license to operate’, explained Alastair McIntosh, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer. “An aerospace company in Europe can neither hold a type certificate, nor undertake or approve design activity without having a DOA. Successfully completing the fourth and final DOA audit pays tribute to the caliber of our team and the rigour of our design processes.”

In parallel with the DOA process, Lilium continues to work towards type certification for the Lilium Jet. The company was awarded its EASA certification basis for the aircraft in 2020. Lilium also recently received a similar certification basis (G-1) from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in late June of this year.

Lilium is currently working with Bristow – a provider of civil aviation services including search and rescue, and offshore transport – to develop a maintenance program in support of the Lilium Jet. Under the terms of the agreement, Bristow has the option to purchase up to 50 of the aircraft.