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. Because of the complexity of these projects, Tony finds it easier to handle the initial enquiry by telephone. His phone number is 01926 641490.
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 2007can 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 2007)
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 15/12/2006
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