A. Certified Category (EASA UAS)

The Certified Category according to EASA is intended for unmanned aircraft systems with an increased risk profile and follows certification principles established in manned aviation.

ACC Aviation Coaching Consulting supports you in the development, certification, and industrialization of complex UAS systems – from early concept phases through to series production readiness. We take into account current EASA requirements, applicable Special Conditions, and established industry standards to ensure a safe, compliant, and market-ready implementation.

1. Scope of Services

1.1 Product and Certification Concept

We develop a holistic product and certification concept by applying suitable Certification Specifications from manned aviation (e.g., CS-23, CS-27, CS-29), relevant Special Conditions (e.g., SC-VTOL, SC Light-UAS), as well as recognized industry standards such as ASTM F38 / F3269 or EUROCAE ED-12 and ED-79.

Our scope includes:

• Definition of the Certification Basis and Means of Compliance
• Derivation of the certification pathway (TC / Restricted TC / Permit to Fly)
• Development of an authority-compliant roadmap and alignment of the project structure

1.2 CertificationPrograms (PART 21)

We plan and structure the complete certification program in accordance with EASA Part 21 and ensure clear, auditable compliance demonstration.

We support you with:

• Preparation of Certification Programmes and Compliance Checklists
• Preparation and management of Certification Review Items (CRIs) / Issue Papers
• Definition of verification and validation strategies
• Planning of conformity inspections, compliance reviews, and flight test campaigns

1.3 Safety Assessments

We perform comprehensive safety analyses to systematically evaluate product complexity, system robustness, and risk potential.

This includes in particular:

• FHA – Functional Hazard Assessment
• PSSA – Preliminary System Safety Assessment
• SSA – System Safety Assessment
• FMECA / FMEA and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
• Consideration of operational safety aspects and interfaces to system and software development processes

1.4 Design Organisation Handbook (DOH)

We support the development or revision of the DOH in accordance with Part 21 Subpart J, ensuring a regulatory-compliant and practical implementation.

Scope includes:

• Definition of roles and responsibilities (Head of Design Organisation, CVE, System Engineering, etc.)
• Description of core DOA processes and authority interfaces
• Integration into existing QMS, SMS, and ISMS frameworks

1.5 Implementation of Airworthiness Requirements

We support the practical implementation of Part 21 requirements within your existing organization and ensure effective operational integration.

Key focus areas:

• Configuration and change management
• Conformity processes and compliance demonstration
• Flight test preparation and execution
• Establishment of interfaces to Continued Airworthiness (CAMO, Maintenance Organisation)

1.6 Industrialization and Ramp-Up

We support the transition from development to production and create the foundation for stable serial manufacturing.

This includes:

• Development of the industrialization concept including make-or-buy analysis
• Development of production and inspection concepts as well as traceability systems
• Preparation of the Production Organisation (PO) interface (Part 21 Subpart G) and integration into EN 9100-based processes

1.7 Flight Test and OSD Preparation

We support the structured planning and execution of flight testing as well as the preparation of operational approval requirements.

Scope includes:

• Flight Test Programmes and Readiness Reviews (TRR, FRR)
• Data acquisition for operational approval and Operational Suitability Data (OSD)
• Documentation and traceability of test results for authority submission

2. Your Benefit

With our experience in both manned and unmanned aviation, we combine regulatory certification, safety assessment, and industrialization into a holistic and practical approach. This ensures that your UAS project is efficiently structured, compliant with authority requirements, and sustainably aligned toward series production readiness.

Contact us to strategically prepare your UAS project in the Certified Category for successful EASA certification.

B. Specific & Open Category (EASA UAS)

For unmanned aircraft systems in the Specific Category (in particular SAIL III and IV), EASA requires a Design Verification (DVR) to demonstrate the technical integrity and safety robustness of the system.

ACC Aviation Coaching Consulting supports manufacturers and development organizations in the structured preparation, submission, and execution of DVR projects in accordance with EASA guidelines, SC Light-UAS, and applicable industry standards.

1. Scope of Services

1.1 Design Verification (DVR)

We support DVR projects from initial concept through to authority coordination and technical completion.Preparation and execution of DVR projects in accordance with EASA Guidelines (SAIL III/IV)

• Development of the Design Verification Basis (DVB) and Compliance Matrix including Means of Compliance (EUROCAE / ASTM / ED-325)
• Planning of the Design Verification Programme (DVP) including compliance strategy, test planning, and authority roadmap
• Support in submission and technical coordination with EASA or the competent National Aviation Authority (NAA)

1.2 Safety Assessments

We perform structured safety analyses to evaluate product complexity, system architecture, and design robustness.

• Safety analyses to evaluate product complexity and design robustness
• Execution of FHA, PSSA, SSA, FMEA/FMECA, and Fault Tree Analyses
• Ensuring full traceability between Safety Objectives, compliance evidence, and design changes

1.3 Production & Conformity

We establish the foundation for a robust and traceable production structure.

• Establishment and optimization of production processes in accordance with Part 21 Subpart G
• Development of conformity and inspection concepts for UAS systems and COTS components
• Implementation of complete traceability structures from design through delivery
• Harmonization with existing EN 9100 / ISO 9001 quality management systems

1.4 Maintenance & Continued Airworthiness

We ensure that UAS systems remain compliant and maintainable throughout operation.

• Preparation of Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and Maintenance Manuals
• Definition of maintenance and inspection intervals as well as component tracking procedures
• Integration of maintenance processes into existing CAMO / Part 145 interfaces

1.5 Organizational Integration

We integrate DVR, design, and production processes into existing organizational structures.

• Integration of DVR, design, and production processes into DOA, PO, and QMS frameworks
• Preparation and maintenance of relevant manuals (DOH, Production Quality Plan (PQP), Inspection Procedures)
• Training of engineering and compliance personnel in DVR-compliant demonstration of compliance

2. Your Benefit

With our hands-on approach, we combine technical compliance demonstration, production readiness, and maintainability into an integrated system. This results in an authority-compliant, audit-ready, and sustainable structure for your UAS project.

Contact us to prepare your project in a targeted and efficient manner for EASA Design Verification requirements.