Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) yesterday awarded eVTOL aircraft developer Volocopter Design Organisation Approval (DOA). As an approved design organization, the company now has a higher level of authority to conduct tasks associated with the development and manufacturing of aircraft under EASA rules and processes.

 


Volocopter claims to be the first eVTOL startup company to receive the DOA clearance from EASA. The German company says this will give it a competitive edge in being able to accelerate the pace of getting its aircraft into production.

 


The DOA process means that EASA exercises its oversight of approved companies as a whole. This reduces the number of steps that have to be completed on the path to granting type certification and airworthiness approval for products.

 


“Awarding the first DOA with a scope of work for VTOL is a milestone for industry,” said EASA executive director Patrick Ky. “We are happy about the successful cooperation and the fact that our safety standards are now part of the rising eVTOL market.”

 


In July, EASA published its new Special Condition rules for certifying VTOL aircraft. Volocopter is seeking a type certification for its VoloCity aircraft by the end of 2022.

 


This story comes from the new <a href="http://FutureFlight.aero">FutureFlight.aero</a> resource developed by&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;to provide objective, independent coverage of new aviation technology, including electric aircraft developments.&nbsp;

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