Deregulation of Single Seat Microlight Aeroplanes
The CAA has issued an exemption for the deregulation of single-seat microlight aeroplane airworthiness. See CAA Information Notice IN2014/091 at http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/InformationNotice2014091.pdf for full details.
The exemption applies to single-seat microlight aeroplanes which have a maximum take-off weight not exceeding 300 kg for a landplane, or 390 kg for an amateur-built aircraft issued a Permit to Fly prior to 1 January 2003, or 330 kg for an amphibian or floatplane, or 315 kg for aircraft equipped with an airframe-mounted total recovery parachute system. The aircraft must also have a stall speed in the landing configuration and at its maximum take-off weight of not more than 35 knots calibrated airspeed.
The temporary exemption will be replaced by a permanent change to the Air Navigation Order in 2015. Owners wishing to make use of this exemption need to complete and send to the CAA the form attached to CAA Information Notice IN-2014/091.
There are examples of single seat microlight self-launching sailplanes that fall into the deregulated category. The BGA recommends that owners of deregulated microlights carefully maintain the aircraft in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and discuss their operation with their club and their insurer. Formal guidance will be published when BGA Laws and Rules changes later this year.
2 June 2014