Design Organisations Approvals

A Design Organisation Approval is the recognition that a Design Organisation complies with the requirements of Part 21 Subpart J. The approval includes terms of approval defining:

  • Scope of approval: The type of design activities including fields of expertise
  • Categories of products: The applicable products such as Large Aeroplanes, Engines, Small Rotorcraft, Sailplanes, etc.
  • List of products: The list of products for which the DOA holder is Type Certificate applicant or holder (if applicable)
  • Privileges: A DOA holder can
    • Perform design activities within the scope of approval
    • Have compliance documents accepted by the Agency without further verification
    • Perform activities independently from the Agency
  • Limitations: Any limitations on the above

Relevant legislation

The following legislation is applicable to DOA:

Essential Requirements:
Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 - Basic Regulation

Implementing Rule:

This legislation is updated regularly by issuing amendments. A full overview can be found on the Regulations page.


Applications

A Design Organisation Approval can be applied for by submitting an application form to EASA (FO.DOA.00080 under “Downloads” on the right). In addition, the following information needs to be provided to EASA during the investigation process:

  • Design Organisation Handbook and Procedures

After acceptance of an application, EASA will assign a DOA Team Leader to conduct the investigation as summarised below:

This process will be further explained during a kick-off meeting organised by the DOA Team Leader.

After the issue of DOA Certificate, significant changes to the Design Organisation must be approved by the Agency, by submitting an application form (FO.DOA.00082 under “Downloads” on the right).

Fees & Charges

In accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2153 of December 16, 2019, DOA table 9A and ADOA 9B and explanatory notes 11 and 12 of Part V – Explanatory Note.

For more information, please refer to the above-mentioned Fees & Charges Regulation or consult the Fees & Charges FAQ page


Good practices

EASA Good Practices intend to clarify specific items of implementing rules for design organisation approvals. They highlight a particular subject and, as non-binding material, provide additional technical explanations to current standards.

EASA Good Practices are published for information purposes only and must not be regarded as formally adopted Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) or Guidance Material (GM).

EASA Good Practices do not introduce new or modified rules and do not constitute any legal obligation or right for the Agency or the organisations.

Subject Issue
EASA S21 GP001 Coordination between Design and Maintenance - First Installation of a Change to a Product Sept 2012

Design Organisation Handbook template

This document has been removed as it was deemed to be obsolete in light of the regulatory and policy changes that have taken place since the last date of publication. The Agency is working on providing current guidance for new Design Organisations on how to document their Design Assurance System.

Dec 2013
Presentation - Management of Changes to Jet Fuel Specifications Nov 2012
Presentation - Best practices in control of subcontractors’ work Nov 2011
Presentation - Flight test activity Apr 2012
Presentation - Flight test organisation Sep 2013
Presentation - ISM Nov 2011
Presentation - Independent Checking Function Assessment Nov 2011
Presentation - DOA and Environmental Protection Feb 2013
Presentation - Investigation and Surveillance of Organisations performing Software and Airborne Electronic Hardware activities Nov 2011
Presentation - Best Practices DO-145 implementation Nov 2012
Flight Test Operations Manual Guide Apr 2018

Contacts

Queries related to Design Organisations can be sent to: doa [at] easa.europa.eu (doa[at]easa[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Letters and paper documents/records can be sent to:

European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Design Organisation Approvals
P.O. Box 10 12 53
D-50452 Cologne, Germany