CAA launches final consultation on small experimental aircraft
Above: CAA offices, Gatwick.
The consultation is aimed at reducing the red tape and financial burdens associated with securing airworthiness and operational approval for new light aircraft designs, encouraging the growth of new design concepts.
Today’s move is part of the CAA’s commitment to deliver a risk-based and proportionate approach to overseeing general aviation and follows the launch of the experimental conditions proposal at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) in London in November 2014. The RAeS has worked closely with the CAA on the proposal.
The proposal offers aircraft designers the ability to try out a new concept aircraft (up to a maximum take-off weight of 2,000kg) in the air without going through the costly and time consuming procedures that currently exist to get a new design past the initial stage of prototype. If, after trying out a promising idea, it is thought to be viable, then a full design approval programme can be planned and funded in the usual way.
Individuals and organisations conducting proof of concept flights will still be required to undertake a risk assessment to support the activity and in particular, ensure that the risks to third parties are adequately addressed. For example, flights would not be allowed over congested areas, the pilot must be suitably qualified and no passengers or cargo can be carried.
The main objective of the move is to reverse the decline in the number of new aircraft designed and developed in the UK.
The consultation will run for four weeks and the CAA will publish its response as soon as possible after that. Details of the consultation, including how to respond, can be found at caa.co.uk/consultations
