Definitions Juan Anton Continuing Airworthiness Manager Rulemaking Directorate EASA 1
Large aircraft Defined in EC2042/2003, Article 2: An aircraft, classified as an aeroplane with a maximum takeoff mass of more than 5700 Kg, or a multi-engined helicopter. NOTE: It does not include sailplanes, powered-sailplanes, balloons or airships. 2
Complex motor-powered aircraft Defined in Basic Regulation EC216/2008, Article 3: An aeroplane: Above 5700 Kg MTOM, or Certificated for more than 19 seated passengers, or Certificated for operation with at least 2 pilots, or Equipped with turbojet engine(s) or more than 1 turboprop engine. A helicopter: Above 3175 Kg MTOM, or Certificated for more than 9 seated passengers, or Certificated for operation with at least 2 pilots, or A tilt rotor aircraft. 3
ELA1 aircraft Defined in EC2042/2003, Article 2: The following European Light Aircraft: An aeroplane, sailplane or powered sailplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) less than 1000 kg that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft; A balloon with a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 3 400 m3 for hot air balloons, 1050 m3 for gas balloons, 300 m3 for tethered gas balloons; An airship designed for not more than two occupants and a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 2500 m3 for hot air airships and 1000 m3 for gas airships; 4
LSA aircraft Defined in EC2042/2003, Article 2: A light sport aeroplane which has all of the following characteristics: A Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of not more than 600 kg; A maximum stalling speed in the landing configuration (VS0) of not more than 45 knots Calibrated Airspeed (CAS) at the aircraft s maximum certificated take-off mass and most critical centre of gravity; A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot; A single, non-turbine engine fitted with a propeller; A non-pressurised cabin 5
Commercial Operation Defined in Basic Regulation EC216/2008, Article 3: Any operation of an aircraft, in return for remuneration or other valuable consideration, which is available to the public or, when not made available to the public, which is performed under a contract between an operator and a customer, where the latter has no control over the operator 6
Commercial Air Transport Defined by ICAO as the following: An aircraft operation involving the transport of passengers, cargo or mail for remuneration However, for the purpose of the Continuing Airworthiness rules (see EC2042/2003, Article 1), the provisions of Commercial Air Transport only apply to: Licensed air carriers as defined by Community Law This means Licensed air carriers per Regulation EC1008/2008, which excludes non-power-driven aircraft, ultralight power-driven aircraft and local flights. 7
UPCOMING CHANGES (still not adopted) 8
Opinion 01/2011 ELA1 aircraft The following manned European Light Aircraft: An aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 1200 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft; A sailplane or powered sailplane of 1200 kg MTOW or less; A balloon with a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 3400 m3 for hot air balloons, 1050 m3 for gas balloons, 300 m3 for tethered gas balloons; An airship designed for not more than 4 occupants and a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 3400 m3 for hot air airships and 1000 m3 for gas airships. 9
Opinion 01/2011 ELA2 aircraft The following manned European Light Aircraft: An aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 2000 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft; A sailplane or powered sailplane of 2000 kg MTOW or less; A balloon; A hot air ship; A gas airship meeting all of the following elements: 3% maximum static heaviness, Non-vectored thrust (except reverse thrust), Conventional and simple design of structure, control system, and ballonet system, Non-power assisted controls; A Very Light Rotorcraft. 10
(CRD)-1 to NPA2010-10 Examples of Commercial Operations (GM M.A.201(i)) the transport of passengers or cargo for remuneration or hire by an operator other than a licensed air carrier, such as a balloon operator or a sailplane operator; flight training for remuneration or hire; the following specialised operations when performed for commercial purposes: helicopter external loads operations, helicopter survey operations, human external cargo operations, parachute operations, agricultural flights, aerial photography operations, aerial mapping operations, glider towing, aerial advertising, calibration flights, oil spill work, stringing power line operations, pollution control activity, survey operations, news media flights, flying displays, aerial entertainment, competition flights, clearing saw operations, animal herding and rescue, maritime funeral operations, veterinary vaccine dropping flights, scientific research flights, avalanche mining operations, construction work flights, television and movie flights. 11