28 July 2015
A move to stimulate the design and development of new light aircraft in the UK has been launched by the CAA, wokring with the Royal Aeronautical Society.
The proposal offers aircraft designers the ability to try out a new concept aircraft (up to a maximum take-off weight of 2000kg) 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.
It’s thought it might benefit aircraft companies such as Swift Aircraft which is working on a two-seater, pictured.
A consultation on the proposal has been launched by the CAA (link below). The move is part of the CAA’s commitment to deliver a risk-based and proportionate approach to overseeing general aviation. The ‘Experimental Conditions’ proposal was first announced at the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) in London in November 2014. The RAeS has worked closely with the CAA on the proposal.
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 consultation will run for four weeks and the CAA will publish its response as soon as possible after that.
