Vertical Aerospace reaches ‘significant’ certification milestones, including DOA

Vertical Aerospace announces further progress on its path to certification for the VX4, including securing the first ever Design Organization Approval DOA issued to an eVTOL manufacturer by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Design Organization Approval UK and European aerospace companies cannot hold a Type Certificate without being granted a DOA. The DOA authorises Vertical to conduct design activities and issue design approvals within the DOA’s scope of approval. As an approved Design Organization, Vertical will have increasing authority and privileges as we progress through the design and certification program of the VX4. This approval means the CAA is satisfied that Vertical has the capability to design a safe and reliable aircraft and aviation-related products to the highest standards. This is expected to streamline the steps towards obtaining Type Certification. The process for achieving DOA involved a rigorous assessment of Vertical’s procedures, its quality management system, the competence of its technical workforce, and the necessary facilities and equipment to support the design activities to certify the VX4 aircraft. Certification progress Earlier this month, the CAA announced its intention to adopt European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s EASA Means of Compliance to SC-VTOL, the standards against which European and now UK manufacturers will design eVTOLs. Vertical continues working closely with the CAA on the Type Certification of its VX4 aircraft, having recently submitted its certification basis proposal to the regulator.