Flying_Anorak
9th May 2013, 12:07
Hi All,
As usual I've managed to get myself into a state of informed confusion about the various 'micro-light' type aircraft that are available to fly in the UK following my trip to Aero. Please excuse my 'newbie' ignorance in this field, but can anyone explain simply what the various options are these days?
I presume that if an aircraft does not have an EASA type certification then it has to be on an LAA Permit To Fly (I am an LAA member) but I'm confused by the VL / UL & LSA categories that various manufacturers seemed to be advertising.
For example, I am particularly keen on the Shark from Shark Aero (SHARK.AERO :: ultralight :: aircraft :: LSA (http://www.shark.aero/?lang=en)) which is advertised as a 'European UL' but does not, I understand currently have UK certification. If this is the case, is it a realistic option to try and get it certified or approved for use in the UK or am I into a world of (expensive) pain?
I understand that LSA aircraft seem to have a higher MTOW (600kg as opposed to 480) but I always thought that LSA was a US only certification so I'm suprised to see the Sportscruiser and Sting S4 advertised as UK LSA's?
Grateful for any help or clarification that anyone can give this glider, SSEA & SLMG pilot!
Thanks,
FA
As usual I've managed to get myself into a state of informed confusion about the various 'micro-light' type aircraft that are available to fly in the UK following my trip to Aero. Please excuse my 'newbie' ignorance in this field, but can anyone explain simply what the various options are these days?
I presume that if an aircraft does not have an EASA type certification then it has to be on an LAA Permit To Fly (I am an LAA member) but I'm confused by the VL / UL & LSA categories that various manufacturers seemed to be advertising.
For example, I am particularly keen on the Shark from Shark Aero (SHARK.AERO :: ultralight :: aircraft :: LSA (http://www.shark.aero/?lang=en)) which is advertised as a 'European UL' but does not, I understand currently have UK certification. If this is the case, is it a realistic option to try and get it certified or approved for use in the UK or am I into a world of (expensive) pain?
I understand that LSA aircraft seem to have a higher MTOW (600kg as opposed to 480) but I always thought that LSA was a US only certification so I'm suprised to see the Sportscruiser and Sting S4 advertised as UK LSA's?
Grateful for any help or clarification that anyone can give this glider, SSEA & SLMG pilot!
Thanks,
FA