DOTARS05/070WT - 23 December 2005
New Category of Light Sport Aircraft
The Australian Government Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, today announced the introduction of a new certification category of aircraft for Light Sport Aircraft.
Mr Truss said the introduction of the Light Sport Aircraft category will enable manufacturers to self-certify these small aircraft and minimise the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) involvement.
"The new certification rules will bring Australia into line with US regulations and should save time and reduce costs, as well as help Australian small aircraft manufacturers access the expanding international market.
"The new regulations will mean that the manufacturer will be responsible for certification and airworthiness control for single engine, two-person aircraft, with a maximum take-off weight of 600kg.
"Under these new regulations, manufacturers will achieve significant cost savings by self-certification, which in turn will make light sport aircraft much more affordable for new entrants," he said.
A Light Sport Aircraft is a small, simple-to-operate aircraft, which can be a ready-to-fly production aircraft or a kit-built aircraft of the same make and model.
The new certification comes under Part 21(H) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2005.
Mr Truss said the new category will allow the manufacture of safe and economical light, small aircraft to be operated for sport and recreation, to carry a passenger and to conduct flight training and glider towing.
"The manufacturer will be required to continually monitor the airworthiness of these aircraft, manage a database of all owners of aircraft in Australia and overseas, and investigate service defects and address safety issues," he said.
The amendments to the current regulations were developed by a project team consisting of CASA specialists and industry representatives including the sport aircraft organisations and Australian manufacturers.
Kylie Butler – Media Adviser
phone: 02 6277 7680 or 0417 652 488
email: kylie.butler@dotars.gov.au
web: www.ministers.dotars.gov.au