Lilium Achieves G-1 Certification Basis From FAA

Lilium announced earlier this week that it has obtained its G-1 certification basis from the FAA in advance of its efforts to certify Lilium in both the EASA and FAA regulatory spaces.

The award is supplemental to the certification basis Lilium received from EASA in 2020 and highlights where Lilium will need to demonstrate conformance to FAA regulations of its prototype design in achieving a type certificate.

“We are the first powered lift eVTOL pioneer in our industry holding a Certification Basis from EASA and the FAA,” said Alastair McIntosh, Lilium Chief Technology Officer. “This is a major step towards our goal of achieving early certification of our aircraft in key markets to support a worldwide entry into service. We are grateful to have found great partners on both sides of the pond to electrify the skies. As per FAA practice, there will now be a collaborative process where Lilium and EASA provide feedback to the FAA before the G-1 is issued for public consultation. We look forward to continued collaboration with the FAA and EASA.”

“Receiving the FAA G-1 demonstrates the Lilium Jet’s path to global acceptance by aerospace regulators and the expected start of global operations in late 2025 for the revolutionary Lilium Jet,” Lilium Chief Executive Officer Klaus Roewe said.

The G-1 Certification Basis is based on the FAA’s certification standards contained in 14 C.F.R.Part 23. With Part 23 as the foundation, the G-1 Certification Basis sets forth the specific Airworthiness Standards and Environmental Standards required for FAA Type Certification.

According to a company press release, Lilium remains on track towards achieving Type Certification with EASA in late 2025.

Why it matters: FAA G-1 is a critical milestone in the FAA cross-validation process, establishing airworthiness and environmental requirements necessary to achieve FAA Type Certificate Validation. This effort confirms Lilium’s strategy of pursuing dual certification of the Lilium Jet to enable entry into service in key markets globally.

Source: Lilium Press Release