If you plan to build and fly a model in the UK which weighs over 20kg then it is mandatory (a requirement of the CAA) that the aircraft is built, inspected and flight proven using the scheme operated by the LMA on behalf of the CAA.
Please note that gliders do not require exemption, but are NOT exempt from the ANO and you are still advised to contact us for the current information.
Therefore, if you are planning to build or fly an aircraft
over 20kg, contact Tony Hooper.
Please do this BEFORE you
begin building. Registration of a project can be made using the form available
and the details on this form can be E mailed or phoned through to Tony Hooper
(e mail th.hooper@btopenworld.com, tel 01926 641490 or 07976 691992.
to download Registration of Over 20kg Models form click
here
You will find that the aim is to help you complete a successful project that will be a safe aeroplane to fly.
Note that if you are considering building a model that weighs over 150kg you will have to put the model through a FULL airworthiness certification.
As part of the LMA's relationship with the CAA , there is a an annual meeting to discuss topics of interest. A brief set of minutes from the meeting in December 2009 can be read here.
The CAA introduced revised procedures for the completion
of registration and the issue of Exemption Certificates on the 1st April 2002.
The LMA have been running the scheme on behalf of the CAA to test the new procedures
since the late summer of 2001 and no changes have been found necessary.
However from mid 2007 the inspection scheme has been revised in conjunction
with the CAA, click here to read the latest information
(December 2008)
The new procedures apply to all models that are not completed
and do not have a Certificate of Design and Construction as of 1st April 2002.
The revised procedure consists of several parts and is designed to ensure that
all models weighing over 20 kg are fully tested and the pilot is competent to
operate the model. The first part, the inspection process, remains as it was
with a appointed inspector overseeing the construction of the model and final
approval so that a Certificate of Design and Construction
can be issued by the LMA's Chief Examiner and Safety Officer (CE&SO).
The owner will need to apply direct to the CAA for an exemption using a form
provided by the CE&SO and will need to enclose the original of the Certificate
of Design and Construction, which will be returned. This exemption will be an
Exemption (Test only) and will only permit
the model to be flown in private for test purposes in the presence of an LMA
Examiner or other approved person. Please note that if the owner wishes the
first test flights to be carried out by another person they will also have to
be named on the exemption. The exemption will be valid for one year and it is
expected that during that time the pilot will complete a Flight
Test Log in accordance with the guidance given below. Only in exceptional
circumstances will the Exemption (Test only) be extended beyond one year,
but if not completed will require renewal. An Exemption (Test only) will
not permit a model to be flown in public.
Only when the pilot has an Exemption to Operate
will the named pilot be permitted to fly the model beyond the one year allowed
in the Exemption (Test only) or to fly the model without an LMA Examiner or
other approved person being present.
If another pilot is to be added at a later date, that pilot will have to apply
for an Exemption (Test only) even though the model already has an Exemption
to Operate. The full flight test log will have to be completed by the second
pilot before his name can be added to the Exemption to Operate.
A flight test log must be completed individually by every
pilot that is to be named on the Exemption to Operate and each pilot must also
be named on the application for an Exemption (Test only) in order that they
can legally complete the flight test log.
All flights must be witnessed by an LMA Examiner or other approved person, normally
an inspector, but in exceptional circumstances approval may be given to other
persons. A list of LMA inspectors is available here.
The pilot should check with the CE&SO for a list of approved persons before
commencing any flights. The flying site must also be able to comply with the
rules regarding the operation of Over 20kg aircraft and any doubt about this
should be clarified by liaison with CE&SO.
It is not permitted to carry out any flights whilst operating under an Exemption
(Test only) without the presence of an LMA Examiner or other approved person.
See paragraph 2 (I) of the Exemption.
Flights to be recorded on the log must total a minimum of 1 hour flying time
with all of the individual specified manoeuvres completed on each flight. If
all the manoeuvres are not completed within the flight it can not count for
the log. The flying time must be completed in not less than 6 flights and each
flight should include start-up and shut-down of the engines and radio.
It should be stressed that 1 hour is an absolute minimum and it is likely that
it will take longer than this to satisfactorily complete the test program.
Any modifications to the model that are identified during the test programs
should be carried out and this may mean further testing is required. It is expected
that for unusual, complex, or types of model new to the pilot, that the test
program will be extended to ensure that both the model and pilot are competent.
The individual manoeuvres listed on the log are designed to demonstrate the
integrity of the model and the ability of the pilot to control the model. Special
care should be taken to ensure that the pilot is competent to carry out crosswind
take-off and landings and knows the models limitations in this respect. The
pilot should also be able to demonstrate take-offs without having to stand behind
the model. The show routine box is there to confirm that the pilot is capable
of positioning the model safely in relation to a crowd-line. It is not meant
as a method of judging how good a display the pilot can put on, but it should
include any types of manoeuvres that the pilot would wish to normally fly.
It is expected that the log will be completed over a period of time and not
in one day. Witnesses should be sure that the pilot is capable of operating
the model in a variety of weather conditions and not only on a "nice" day .
On satisfactory completion of the Flight Test Log it should be returned to the
CE&SO who will then provide an application form requesting an Exemption
to Operate which is to be completed, signed and sent to the CAA. The CAA will
then issue an Exemption to operate. A copy of this exemption is to be sent to
the CE&SO to be held on file.
If the witness is unhappy for whatever reason at the end
of the flight test period the matter should be referred back to the CE&SO
who will then appoint an LMA Examiner to review the matter and make a recommendation
for further flights or model inspection prior to the application for an Exemption
to Operate or "LMA Approval to Fly an Over 20 Kg Model in Public Display".
Once the named pilot has an Exemption to Operate the model can be flown without
an LMA Examiner, or other approved person, being present noting that the model
must be operated within the requirements as laid down on the Exemption.
Note.
If the pilot wishes to operate the model in a public display
additional flights over and above that required for the Exemption to Operate
may be required. The pilot must keep a log of these flights and provide the
necessary evidence to the CAA and CE&SO of the model and pilot's ability
to safely operate the model in proximity to the public. An application with
supporting evidence may then be made to the CE&SO for an "LMA Approval to
Fly an Over 20 Kg Model in Public Display".
Witnesses
Witnesses must be first approved by the CE&SO and they should be given a
copy of these guidance notes by the pilot.
The witness of any flight test programme takes on a big responsibility for the
subsequent safe operation of the model. Witnesses should be sure that all of
the requirements of the Flight Test Log are fully completed in accordance with
the above guidance and also any specific requirements or guidance attached to
the model before completing the log. Brief notes should be included in each
box commenting on the performance of the model and pilot and the comments section
on page 1 should also be completed with any relevant information relating to
the testing. If the witness considers that additional flights should be completed
prior to the issue of an "LMA Approval to Fly an Over 20 Kg Model in Public
Display", this should be recorded against item 6.
By signing the log the witness is confirming that the modeller appears to be
safe to fly the subject model at the place and in the weather conditions noted.
In the exercise of these responsibilities the witness should take great care
to make sure that this part of the process is carried out accurately and without
fear or favour.
It should be understood that the test programme is not only to test the model,
but also test the pilot's ability to operate the model in a safe manner.
The
LMA Committee have decided to establish the following guidelines to enhance
the 'Over 20kg Scheme'.
For all models that will weigh over 80kg:
Attached here is a spreadsheet which details a typical test flying log.
This page was last updated on 3/12/2009
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