On Day 1 of Aero 2012, Dave Unwin reported hearing many comments about EASA’s halting move toward acceptance of the concept of Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft, which was invented in the USA. The European Union, with an equally proud heritage of aviation, is showing familiar reluctance to embrace what another country has achieved, even when aircraft builders in the EU seek a one-for-one alignment of the rules so that aircraft certified in one country can be sold in another, as happens now with (most) European airplanes being accepted in the USA.
While the slow-motion drama continues to unfold, EASA is moving ahead with its DOA/POA/TC approach requiring Design and Production Organization approval and a Type Certificate.
Some companies have seen that a faster way to enlarging their markets is to accept EASA’s more burdensome method. They sought to meet the DOA/POA/TC requirements and on Day 1 at Aero, the first two type certificates were awarded.
Czech Sport Aircraft, builder of the SportCruiser (formerly and temporarily known as the PiperSport) was awarded its TC April 16, followed immediately by Flight Design on April 17. Congratulations to both companies for succeeding in the pursuit of EASA approval.
For more on Sport Pilot and LSAs: ByDanJohnson.com
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