Part 26 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) sets out the airworthiness standards for aircraft in the primary or intermediate categories. These are aircraft covered by standards set out in Parts 22, 23, 27, 32, 33 or 35.
A primary category aircraft is an aircraft that:
- is unpowered or is an aeroplane powered by a single naturally-aspirated engine, with:
- a stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration (Vso) of 61 knots or less or
- is a rotorcraft powered by a single naturally-aspirated engine, with a 29.3 kg/m2 main rotor disc loading limitation under sea level standard day conditions
- has a maximum take-off weight up to 1,225 kg, or 1,530 kg if a seaplane
- has a maximum seating capacity of not more than 4 persons, including the pilot
- has an unpressurised cabin.
An intermediate category aircraft is an aircraft that:
- is an aeroplane with a stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration (Vso) of 61 knots or less or is a rotorcraft with a 29.3 kg/m2 main rotor disc loading limitation under sea level standard day conditions
- has a maximum take-off weight of not more than 1,750 kg
- has a maximum seating capacity of 4 persons, including the pilot
- has an unpressurised cabin.
Part 26 has been based on foreign legislation for primary category aircraft, specifically the USA's Federal Aviation Regulations. The intermediate category is a unique Australian aircraft category.
Who it affects
Part 26 of CASR affects:
- people who design small aircraft of simple design and low weight
- people who design modifications and repairs for small aircraft of simple design and low weight.