Solid decisions were taken regarding the future of light aircraft in Europe during the Aero 2007 show in Friedrichshafen last month, and the European Aviation Safety Agency has released more details ahead of next month's official response.
Meeting at Aero, the MDM.032 working group of EASA approved using industry standards from standards body ASTM for manufacture of simple aircraft weighing less than 1,000kg (2,200lb), and simplifying Part 21 regulations for all simple craft lighter than 2,000kg. The still unnamed light aircraft category is based on the loosely regulated light sport aircraft implemented to broad success in the USA, and will allow the European manufacturers dominating that market to sell the same products at home.
Regulatory and political hurdles loom over the coming years and the working group has set September as the date to have new pilot licence requirements and operating rules ready for public release. EASA will publish more details on its website this week along with the presentation given at Friedrichshafen by MDM.032 chair Alain Leroy.
Source: Flight International
