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 2011 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 only a few changes have been found necessary.
However from mid 2007 the inspection scheme has been revised in conjunction
with the CAA.
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 CAA Liaison Officer.
The owner will be issued with a form to apply direct to the CAA for an
Exemption to Test Fly and will also be given a copy of the Certificate of Design
and Construction which will accompany the application.
This exemption will be an Exemption To Test Fly
and will only permit the model to be flown in private for test purposes in the
presence of an approved LMA witness.
For a complete list of witnesses in the UK (click here).
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. There are procedures however where the test flying may be carried out by a small number of LMA approved Examiners. This list can be obtained from the LMA’s CAA Liaison Officer.
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 where the general public are in attendance .
Only when the pilot has a Full 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 can apply to the
LMA CAA Liaison officer for a Flight Test Log which will give approval for the
other pilot to start test flying, which when completed, will enable the second
pilot to be added to the Full Exemption.
This procedure can only be done with a model that already has a Full Exemption
A flight test must be completed individually by every
pilot that is to be named on the Exemption to Operate.
As mentioned previously all flights must be witnessed by an approved LMA witness.
The pilot should check with the approved list 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 LMA CAA Liaison Officer.
It is not permitted to carry out any flights whilst operating under an Exemption (Test only) without the presence of an approved LMA witness See paragraph 2 (I) of the Exemption.
Flights to be recorded on the log must total a minimum of 1 hour flying time
with the individual specified manoeuvres completed on each flight.
The flying time must be completed in not less than 6 flights totalling 1 hour
and each flight should include start-up and shut-down of the engines and radio.
There are specific minimums in relation to jets and Over 80kg aircraft and this
is covered later.
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 thisrespect.
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
an aerobatic or low flying display the pilot can put on, but it should include
any types of manoeuvres that the pilot would wish to normally fly.
Sometimes it may be necessary to complete the test flying 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 LMA CAA Liaison Officer who will then provide an application form requesting
a Full Exemption to
Operate which is to be completed, signed and sent to the CAA.
The CAA will then issue the Full Exemption.
A copy of this exemption is to be sent to the LMA CAA Liaison Officer 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 LMA CAA Liaison Officer 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 a Full Exemption .
Once the named pilot has a Full Exemption to Operate the model can be flown
without an LMA witness being present noting that the model must be operated
within the requirements as laid down on the Exemption.
Witnesses
Witnesses are approved by the LMA Committee and they are provided with Guidance
Notes about the test flying procedures
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 a Full Exemption to Operate, this should be recorded against item
6.
By signing the log the witness is confirming that the pilot 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.
Attached here is a spreadsheet which details a typical
test flying log.
The most recent changes to the Scheme were introduced in December
2008
One
Inspector will be appointed who will record “progress “ inspections
on the Proress sheet and complete a Final Inspection for the issue of a Certificate
of Design & Construction.
The new “Exemption to Test Fly” which the CAA are now issuing will
allow the test flying to be done by an LMA designated Examiner so that the builder
or owner can delegate this responsibility if they so wish.
All pilots wishing to fly in public with the aircraft will have to complete
the minimal requirements of 6 flights totalling 1 hour.
MODELS OVER 80 kg
One Inspector will be appointed who will record the “Progress”
inspections on the new sheet and liaise where necessary with an LMA Safety Panel
Member who will then attend the Final Inspection for the issue of a Certificate
of Design & Construction.
All test flights in this category must be witnessed by an LMA Safety Panel Inspector
who was not involved in the build inspection process together with an approved
LMA witness.
The “Exemption to Test Fly” issued by the CAA will allow an LMA
designated Examiner to do the test flying which must be a minimum of 12 flights
totalling 2 hours.
All pilots will be required to meet this criteria before being allowed to fly
the aircraft in public.
OVER 20KG JETS
One Inspector will be appointed who will record the "Progress" inspections
on the new sheet and liaise where necessary with an LMA Safety Panel Member
who may wish to attend the Final Inspection.
All test flights must be witnessed by an approved LMA The “Exemption to
Test Fly” issued by the CAA will allow an LMA designated Examiner to do
the test flying .
The minimum requirement for this category is jets 20kg to 30 kg 12 flights totalling
1 hour and jets over 30kg 12 flights totalling 2 hours
LMA STATEMENT ON THE AIRBORNE SYSTEMS IN OVER
20KG MODELS
Since the introduction of the LMA Over 20kg Scheme 25 years ago there has been
tremendous developments in the technology of R/C model activity. This has ,
more recently , been accelerated by the approval of 2.4Ghz for model aircraft
and has challenged our concept of what is , and what is not, acceptable. The
LMA Safety Panel have discussed this issue and also sought technical advice.
For many years the LMA have operated a policy of addressing “single point” failure in airborne systems and wherever possible system installations have been given approval using that concept. However it is felt that in order to deal with enhanced technology our emphasis in the future should be based on a “minimum risk” approach and we are asking Inspectors to use this criteria. The LMA recognise that irrespective of the airborne installation system that failure will probably result in a crash – this is why we and other model organisations use the criteria defined in CAP 658 regarding safety distances at public events and also in the “club flying” environment.
Specific attention has been given to systems which have the facility to plug
in one or more aerials (called satellite receivers). We have come to the conclusion
that as these are only attached to a single decoder when they are so connected
they comprise of only a single receiver. This system would need to be duplicated
to meet the LMA criteria because they represent a greater risk
As a result of these discussions we feel we are in a position to recommend the
following scenarios which present the “minimum risk”:-
1. The traditional system of 2 batteries, 2 Rx’s, and “crossed”
controls.
2. A Powerbox (or any other similar manufacturing specification) which provides
for the fitting of 2 Rx’s and 2 batteries – these Rx’s can
be Futaba, JR, Spectrum, or any other proven product. In this system it
is expected that all controls surfaces would still be operative in the event
of most recognised failures
3. The Weatronics ( or any other similar manufacturing specification) which
has dual receiver systems on either 35Mhz or 2.4 Ghz . This system would emulate
the operation in No 2 above.
We must emphasise that the success of the Over 20kg Scheme has been largely achieved by the relationship between the builder and the appointed Inspector. Anyone contemplating building a model that will come close to, or exceed the Over 20kg limit should register it and then liaise with the appointed Inspector before proceeding. This is particularly important when purchasing radio equipment which is intended for use in the model.
The LMA Safety Panel , in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority will continue an “ on going “ re-appraisal of new systems and technology in the future.
Some Frequently asked Questions
Q Can some else test fly my new project
A Yes – the CAA have approved some pilots in the
LMA to carry out test flying. You can obtain that information from me. Alternatively
you can also nominate a pilot (or several pilots) on the application form which
you use to apply for an Exemption to Test fly.
Please remember that any pilot who flies your aircraft in public must have completed
the mandatory test flying programme in accordance with Test Flight Log procedures.
Q What happens if unintentionally, my project creeps
over 20kg and I have not registered it.
A Houston, we have a problem! We will try our best to
resolve the situation but if the wings have been sheeted etc then there may
be some hacking about to do.
Far better to register the project in the first place and if it comes in Under
20kg ,as some do , then nothing is lost except the expense of the Inspectors
cups of tea!! If you are an LMA member then the LMA pick up the travelling costs.
Q What do you do about ARTF models
A Obviously, most of these are composite , and are our
Inspectors are usually able to look at the build quality. If you have any doubts
contact us first.
Q What do I do if someone builds the model for me
A You can register the project in your name but the builder must ensure that
the appointed Inspector can carry out Progress checks and perform the Final
Inspection.
Q What do I do if I buy a second hand large model.
A Get in touch with me first before you part with any
money. E bay bargains may look good at face value but quite a few aircraft have
“been round the block” a few times and have failed Inspections.
Even if the aircraft has had an Exemption or even has a current one please remember
that when it is registered in your name it has to be re-inspected – you
cannot go on flying it with the previous registered owners Exemption. The motto
in this scenario is “buyer beware”. Having said that there are some
good reputable large models for sale. If they are advertised on our LMA website
then the owner is obviously not too concerned about the rest of the LMA knowing
about it.!
Q What do I do if I want to have additional pilots after getting the Full Exmeption.
A The CAA now allow us to approve test flights for additional
pilots on aircraft that hold a Full Exemption. Until recently you would have
needed to apply for another Exemption to Test Fly for your new pilot. The form
for additional pilot test flying is available from me. When the flights are
completed in accordance with the Test Flight Log procedures I process it and
inform the CAA who will send you another Full Exemption with the existing and
new pilots names on it.
Q What do I need to do if I damage the aircraft, change
the engine, alter the flying surface area, change the radio installation i.e
from 35Mhz to 2.4Ghz.
A All these changes affect the Certificate of Design and
Construction and thereby the Full Exemption. Any of these aspects should be
reported to me so that I can appoint an Inspector to view the changes and he
will provide me with an audit trail of the work involved. Strangely enough,
either I, or the Chairman usually get to know a large model has crashed about
2 minutes after the incident!!
Well I hope that covers everything – I am sure some people will come up with a few more questions. I cannot emphasise strongly enough – if in doubt ring me, phone me, E mail do anything rather than nothing – we are here to help not hinder. We just want to help you to stay legal!!
Tony Hooper MBE
UK Large Model Association CAA Liaison officer
This page was last updated on 3/12/2009
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