Originally Posted by
43Inches
I agree with it's simple, but I don't like the 'seat' limits. Make it a passenger limit fine, but you would be safer flying a 6 seater with 4 on board than a 4 seater maxed out with pax and bags. What does it matter if its a 6 seater with 4 on board under 2 ton, just means you can fly a lance, or saratoga or bonanza. The US rules are better as it does allow more six seat twins with the higher MTOW and up to 5 passengers for similar requirements. We have to remember there are a few heavy foru seaters out there with significant performance with Cirrus types, so what is the real difference between flying an SR-22 and a PA-32. SR-22 and PA-32R have the same MTOW. The SR-22 is much faster, has a higher stall speed (approach speed) and higher basic weight, why would I be limited to an SR-22 just because of seats there is no valid safety reason here....
I think that the initial CAA alleviation from a medical by an AME was aimed at recreational pilots.The 4 seat rule is just an arbitrary limit by a clueless Neddy in the UK CAA. They probably don't realise that some private pilots fly six seaters. Although the 2000kgs limit is also a factor.