I need a little help in understanding the proposed new EASA rules for the European Light Sport Aeroplane (E LSA) 600kg category and the EASA Leisure Pilots Licence (LPL). We are considering the purchase of a new two seat aircraft for our not-for-profit, members run flying club. Our options are:
- CS-VLA certified aircraft (e.g. AT-3, Tecnam) - now
- E LSA 600kg certified aircraft - when available (2012?)
- 450 kg three axis microlight (e.g. Eurostar) - now
If we bought a CS-VLA certified aircraft (which we could use for PPL(SEP) training/hire now) could we use it for commercial LPL training/hire when the new regulations come in?
If we bought an E LSA certified aircraft (in 2012) could we use it for commercial training/hire for the LPL and the PPL(SEP)?
EASA state that 450kg microlights will remain in annex II. I would hazard a guess that the 600kg LSAs (and the European LPL) will gradually replace the three axis 450kg microlight in Europe. A 450 kg three axis microlight for club training/hire seems the wrong long term buy for us.
Have I interpreted the new rules right? Any suggestions?
EASA LSA and Pilot Licensing
Moderators: John Dean, Moderator
It all depends on how good your crystal ball is!
The now stuff is easy and it would be highly unusual for the present rights associated with a VLA to be withdrawn. The VLA would be almost guaranteed to meet the ELSA rules.
The ELSA rules - well lots of uncertainty at the moment. Probably you assumptions are correct but who really knows until the rules are actually in place. Given the horse trading presently going on with the LPL rules I wouldn't bet either way.
As to the 450kg microlights? Difficult to see why they would remain as Annex II if they could meet the ELSA. But it is likely that UK manufacturers would be keen to be Annex II to protect them from European competition (Section S design code for UK microlights only). So again a watch this space item.
As always with certification rules make your decision on the basis of what is in place, not what may be promised. Promises are cheap and easily broken, exisitng rights were expensive to buy and tend to be protected with tranisition and grandfather rights.
The now stuff is easy and it would be highly unusual for the present rights associated with a VLA to be withdrawn. The VLA would be almost guaranteed to meet the ELSA rules.
The ELSA rules - well lots of uncertainty at the moment. Probably you assumptions are correct but who really knows until the rules are actually in place. Given the horse trading presently going on with the LPL rules I wouldn't bet either way.
As to the 450kg microlights? Difficult to see why they would remain as Annex II if they could meet the ELSA. But it is likely that UK manufacturers would be keen to be Annex II to protect them from European competition (Section S design code for UK microlights only). So again a watch this space item.
As always with certification rules make your decision on the basis of what is in place, not what may be promised. Promises are cheap and easily broken, exisitng rights were expensive to buy and tend to be protected with tranisition and grandfather rights.