The Light Aircraft Manufacturer’s Association of Canada (LAMAC) has published a paper calling for the creation of a new category of aircraft in Canada.
If adopted, the new “Personal Aircraft” category would allow Canadian aircraft manufacturers to produce a ready-to-fly aircraft up to 1800 kg (3,968 lbs.) gross take-off weight, with a maximum of six seats.
The Personal Aircraft would be built to industry standards instead of Transport Canada certification standards and would have a Special Certificate of Airworthiness.
The LAMAC paper envisions, the Personal Aircraft could be used for private personal use as well as commercial use.
The proposal for this new category of aircraft was the result of the Canadian recreational aviation industry examining the U.S. Light Sport Aircraft category (LSA). LAMAC decided that rather than changing the current Canadian Advanced Ultralight category to conform to the new U.S. regulations for LSAs or just adopting the U.S. LSA rules as a new category of Canadian aircraft, it would make sense to create an entirely new category of aircraft that would encompass the U.S. LSA rules and more.
Under this proposal a Canadian Personal Aircraft that meets the U.S. LSA rules for weight and seating would be exportable to the USA as an LSA, as the rest of the proposed rules would be compatible with the U.S. rules.
“We were very careful to ensure that no current aircraft categories or pilot privileges would be negatively impacted by the introduction of the Personal Aircraft” stated Marlene Gill, President of LAMAC. “It is LAMAC’s intention that the Personal Aircraft would be a positive contributor to the growth of aviation and manufacturing in Canada”
In releasing the proposal paper LAMAC stated the objectives of this project as:
“• The 1996 [TC] Recreational Aviation Review Project [recommended the creation of] … a new “Sport plane” category based on the current advanced ultra-light aeroplane standards. It was proposed that this new category be authorized for use in conventional flying schools through an industry-managed program.
• A response to the need for Canadian Light Aircraft Manufacturers to be able to produce fully manufactured aircraft without the financially onerous burden of the FAR Part 23 certification, or adherence to the 51% rule governing Amateur Built Aircraft.
• To provide flight training units and the aviation community with safe, well built aircraft at a competitive price, and create an alternative to the aging fleet of certified aircraft.
• A response to the creation of the Light Sport Aircraft in the USA, and to provide Canadian Manufacturers with the ability to penetrate
that market.
• To solidify Canada’s position as a leader and innovator in the development of International Aviation.”
Some of the key points proposed in the LAMAC paper include that the Personal Aircraft:
• Would mean an aeroplane that has a type design that was in compliance with the standards specified in the manual entitled “Design Standards for Personal Light Aircraft.
• A Personal Light Aircraft would have a maximum take off weight of 1800 kg (3,968 lbs.) and a maximum seating capacity of six seats including the pilot.
• A Personal Light Aircraft would be fully factory manufactured, or professionally built by holders of an “Approved to Manufacture” certificate. An Approval to Manufacture certificate would be based on compliance with The Standards and Requirements for Manufacture of a Personal Light Aircraft and the associated Quality Assurance Program.
• A personal Light Aircraft would be eligible for commercial operations by holders of a Personal Air Operator Certificate.
• Personal Light Aircraft would be subjected to an Annual Airworthiness Inspection Process conducted by a suitably qualified individual.
• Personal Light Aircraft would be subjected to a Flight Test program prior to being granted a Special Certificate of Airworthiness.
• If a Personal Light Aircraft were sold as a kit, it would fall under the Amateur Built Rules.
• Holders of “Approved for Manufacture” certificates who are not the original manufacturer of the Personal Light Aircraft would be required to comply with the Manufacturers’ standards for assembly, and use only components and parts approved by the manufacturer. Fully manufactured or professionally built aircraft would be exempt from pre-cover inspections, but would be subject to a final fit for flight inspection by a person approved or mandated by Transport Canada.
• Personal Aircraft would be subject to audit by an Independent Audit Group.
LAMAC is hoping that this new proposed category will be accepted in Canada and in other countries as well, positioning Canada as a leader in the production of light aircraft built to industry standards for global use.
LAMAC is currently looking for input from the aviation community on this proposal as they prepare to take it to TC for the next stage.
To read the complete proposal, visit the LAMAC website www.lamac.ca.
Comments on the proposed category can be sent to lamac@lamac.ca or The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association Of Canada 880 St-Fereol, Les Cedres, QC J7T 1N3 (450) 452-4772