EASA DOA & FAA ODA Certification & eVTOL Program

In 2016, International Aerospace Ltd. was approached by a prominent company developing a revolutionary air taxi eVTOL aircraft. Our engagement began with a comprehensive audit of their organization, processes, and personnel to assess their readiness for achieving certification under both EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA) and FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA).

We were tasked with providing a strategic roadmap to meet the rigorous certification requirements of these authorities. This included identifying suitable candidates for critical post-holder roles, creating a detailed timeline, and preparing cost estimates for the certification of their company, personnel, and aircraft. The client also explored the possibility of appointing me as an interim Head of Design Organization (HODO) to oversee the process, contingent upon their decision to proceed.

Despite receiving a clear and actionable plan, the client ultimately chose not to invest in the certification process at that time. This decision proved critical, as FAA ODA certification was especially vital for accessing the lucrative U.S. market. The missed certification target of July 2019 and their inability to bring the product to market led to significant financial losses. In 2025, the company declared bankruptcy, despite their product’s potential to revolutionize the eVTOL sector and secure a leading market position.

This case demonstrates the necessity of aligning innovative projects with regulatory requirements early in development. At International Aerospace Ltd., we help our clients avoid these challenges by offering expertise and customized solutions for successful certification under both FAA ODA and EASA DOA standards.

Contact us today to ensure your project is on the right path to certification and market success.