Light aircraft

As a light aircraft or small aircraft different aircraft of various classes, but low weight are referred to in media reports sometimes one-and two -engine airplanes up to 14 tonnes take-off weight.

Motorized light aircraft can be divided in different international certification classes that require different licenses nationally. Engine aircraft weighing more than 5.7 tonnes but not officially count on the light aircraft.

Classification

September

In " Single Engine Piston " aircraft are single engine, piston engine - powered aircraft. A weight limit for the maximum takeoff weight does not exist. To be able to fly these aircraft, a pilot needs a SEP rating. Examples include the Antonov An-2, Cessna 172, Cirrus SR20 or Piper PA- 28th

SET

" Single Engine Turbine" - are single-engine, turboprop - powered aircraft. Pilots need to purchase an SET rating. Typical representatives of the SET -Class include the Cessna 208, Piper PA -46, Pilatus PC -12, or Socata TBM 700

MEP

"Multi Engine Piston " - this is multi-engine, piston engine - powered aircraft. Pilots may need an ME (P) rating. Typical representatives of the MEP- Class include the Cessna 310, Piper PA -34 Tecnam P2006T or.

ME

"Multi- Engine" - referred to in this case, although also multi-engine, but not piston-engine powered aircraft. It is so to all other types of drives, which are used, for example, Turboprop or jet engines. The ME class includes the MEP class. Aircraft such as DHC -6 Twin Otter or the Beechcraft Super King Air B200 fall into this category.

HPA

"High Performance Aircraft " - called ' aircraft that can be flown by a single pilot, but a similar flight performance to the performance of their aircraft and navigation systems such aircraft types that are operated with a minimum crew of two pilots. Examples would be the Piper PA -46 or the Socata TBM 850

TMG

" Touring Motor Glider" are touring motor glider up to 850 kg MTOW. The European engine ticket can be purchased either with this or with the SEP rating. Touring motor glider, however, may also be flown with the glider license after the authorization was purchased. The most famous TMG is the SF 25 Falke. A more modern representative is the HK36 Super Dimona. Both are preferably used in training.

Experimental

Experimentals or individual pieces are light aircraft of different categories that are not factory- certified but are allowed by the builder during construction as part of a single test for traffic. Kit aircraft such as Rans RV-4, various Pitts or velocity are accompanied technically and administratively in Germany of the Oskar Ursinus Association. They are distinguished by the fact that the builder must provide at least 51 % of the power in the building. Opposite patterns of self- certified farmer is exempt from some limitations in equipment and maintenance. In the traffic admission but also restrictions on the use may be made (no VFR at night, avoidance of urban centers and crowds ). In this aircraft class, there are often replicas of historic aircraft, aerobatic planes or very individual design studies.

VLA

As a Very Light Aircraft apply in Europe single-engine airplanes that are approved after the approval requirements of CS -VLA. You must be a maximum of two seats, have a flying weight of not more than 750 kilograms, and their stall speed must not exceed 45 knots. In turn, the technical requirements - compared with those after CS-23 - slightly reduced, about in the approval of motor and propeller. You may also be flown with only nationally valid pilot certificates (PPL -N ) (only within Germany).

Glider

Gliders are aerodynamically quality aircraft that are designed for motorless flight. After starting by winch or towing aircraft they fly by gliding. Do they move through updrafts, so they can acquire new altitude.

LSA

Light Sport Aircraft or short LSAs are in Europe more than two-seat, single-engine light aircraft to a takeoff weight of 599 kg. The introduction of this class of aircraft is being planned at European level in the framework of the Joint Aviation Authorities. In the U.S. LSA are permitted only with fixed landing gear and fixed propeller and a maximum air speed of 223 km / h. Retractable landing gear and controllable pitch propellers are not allowed there. For Europe, such restrictions are controversial. Opinions vary widely, because some of the developments of the unlimited Ultralight apply depending on your view as an opportunity or a cautionary tale. Some manufacturers of ultralight aircraft also offer a version as LSA, which then no longer subject to the MTOW limit of 472.5 kg but 600 kg, and thus the two - seater flying are good with a full tank plus luggage.

Sportsters

These are single-engine light aircraft in the U.S. up to a weight of 560 kg.

Ultralight

Ultralight (UL) are according to German regulation motorized sports aircraft with a maximum of 472.5 kg ( two -seater ) and 322.5 kg ( 1-seater ) takeoff weight, including 22.5 kg for the ( prescribed ) total rescue system. After air- legal definition, these are to no planes. For this type of aircraft approval legally and maintenance technical provisions less stringent than for larger aircraft classes apply. This makes the UL - flying relatively inexpensive and financially attractive. The limits of usability, however, are narrower ( smaller payload ) than comparable one - and two-seat light aircraft. As an example, the flight was called Star.

In European countries, there is currently no standardization of legislation Ultralight concerning.