AIRCOM 2010/11: Guidance for Owners and Potential Owners of Light Sport Aircraft just released
This seems to indicate that current national permit routes will apply for maintenance etc.
Does this mean the LAA one or the CAA one?
EASA permits ?
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mikehallam
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I think so too & wrote to the CAA at the address at the bottom of the document.
mike hallam.
"CAA Aircom 2010/11.
Though intended to clarify the needs and distinctions of EASA LSA's from similar a/c within UK CAA jurisdiction it could confuse.
a) Can I suggest that each & every time the words 'permit' or 'permit to fly' are used the identifying distinctions between EASA and U.K. National are added. Otherwise the 'permit' word has two meanings, being used for two separate categories.
I agree it's tricky to draw up an interim guidance, especially as EASA apparently pro temp require use of current UK Permit rules for maintaining a/c which will one day have something else - but not part 'M'. [!]
b) When briefly describing EASA LSA a/c as 600 kg & 45 kt max. stall 'planes, perhaps the CAA should in parentheses mention that many U.K. Class II a/c are exempt. These include three axis & flex wing microlights and other 'light aircraft' - some not so light - which are and will continue to be operated & maintained to U.K. CAA requirements under the BMAA, LAA [& possibly some other organisations'].
c) Lastly though not intended to be covered by the above Aircom is the question of remaining legal using various Flying Licenses to operate any of the above.
EASAhas apparently decreed that by the day before yesterday no more comments will be accepted on their as yet unissued LAPL. Yet possibly in a way similar to the above Permit exemptions, will not NPPL and old UK PPL A holders using their own GP countersignature for the medical fitness be able to continue to fly in the U.K ?
I think a new Aircom stating just that would save a lot of responsible pilots unnecessary concerns."
mike hallam.
"CAA Aircom 2010/11.
Though intended to clarify the needs and distinctions of EASA LSA's from similar a/c within UK CAA jurisdiction it could confuse.
a) Can I suggest that each & every time the words 'permit' or 'permit to fly' are used the identifying distinctions between EASA and U.K. National are added. Otherwise the 'permit' word has two meanings, being used for two separate categories.
I agree it's tricky to draw up an interim guidance, especially as EASA apparently pro temp require use of current UK Permit rules for maintaining a/c which will one day have something else - but not part 'M'. [!]
b) When briefly describing EASA LSA a/c as 600 kg & 45 kt max. stall 'planes, perhaps the CAA should in parentheses mention that many U.K. Class II a/c are exempt. These include three axis & flex wing microlights and other 'light aircraft' - some not so light - which are and will continue to be operated & maintained to U.K. CAA requirements under the BMAA, LAA [& possibly some other organisations'].
c) Lastly though not intended to be covered by the above Aircom is the question of remaining legal using various Flying Licenses to operate any of the above.
EASAhas apparently decreed that by the day before yesterday no more comments will be accepted on their as yet unissued LAPL. Yet possibly in a way similar to the above Permit exemptions, will not NPPL and old UK PPL A holders using their own GP countersignature for the medical fitness be able to continue to fly in the U.K ?
I think a new Aircom stating just that would save a lot of responsible pilots unnecessary concerns."
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mikehallam
- Posts: 576
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2008 3:12 pm
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
A quick response to the above points came back to me from
Neil Williams
Head -Airworthiness Policy and Rulemaking UK CAA. ----
The Aircom only addresses factory built LSA aircraft which are subject to European regulations. This is explained in the Section 1. As the Aircom only address aircraft subject to EASA regulations, we did not think that it is necessary to highlight the difference between National and EASA Permits to Fly every time we use the phrases 'permit' or 'permit to fly' within the document.
Response: In advance of the formal publication of a regulatory framework for European LSA aircraft it was agreed with EASA that for aircraft registered in the UK it would be safer and clearer for aircraft owners and operators to comply with a comprehensive and widely understood set of national regulations for aircraft holding a Permit to Fly. The alternative was to continue to rely on a hotpotch of incomplete requirements set out in the 'Flight Conditions' for each individual aircraft.
The Aircom is only intended to address aircraft that fall within the new European LSA category. The Aircom does not apply to the many other types of aircraft flying in the UK.
Response: European requirements for Flight Crew Licensing are still at the draft stage I encourage you to participate in the consultation process, either through one of the organisations in the UK who actively represent pilots interests or directly by using the comment response tool on the EASA website
Neil Williams
Head -Airworthiness Policy and Rulemaking UK CAA. ----
The Aircom only addresses factory built LSA aircraft which are subject to European regulations. This is explained in the Section 1. As the Aircom only address aircraft subject to EASA regulations, we did not think that it is necessary to highlight the difference between National and EASA Permits to Fly every time we use the phrases 'permit' or 'permit to fly' within the document.
Response: In advance of the formal publication of a regulatory framework for European LSA aircraft it was agreed with EASA that for aircraft registered in the UK it would be safer and clearer for aircraft owners and operators to comply with a comprehensive and widely understood set of national regulations for aircraft holding a Permit to Fly. The alternative was to continue to rely on a hotpotch of incomplete requirements set out in the 'Flight Conditions' for each individual aircraft.
The Aircom is only intended to address aircraft that fall within the new European LSA category. The Aircom does not apply to the many other types of aircraft flying in the UK.
Response: European requirements for Flight Crew Licensing are still at the draft stage I encourage you to participate in the consultation process, either through one of the organisations in the UK who actively represent pilots interests or directly by using the comment response tool on the EASA website