Scheme Summary
If you plan to build and fly a model aircraft in the UK of any type which weighs over 25kg MTOM (full of fuel) the most straightforward and lowest cost route is to have the aircraft inspected and flight tested in the over 25kg scheme operated by the LMA on behalf of the UK CAA.
The Over 25kg scheme covers aircraft throughout their service life from initial build and proves that the aircraft is flightworthy and every named pilot is competent to fly it.
The scheme is operated under the LMA’s article 16 operating authorisation and may only be used by current LMA members.
There is an annual charge by the LMA of £34.10 per member to use the scheme. The charge covers as many aircraft as a member has flying, either under a test flight permit or a permit to fly.
The LMA has a network of inspectors and flight test witnesses around the country who will be able to help with your aircraft, whether building, flying or maintaining. The list of approved personnel is here and only people on this list may carry out inspections or witness flight tests.
The minimum requirements for inspections & flight tests for aircraft 25kg-150kg are here
The overall requirements documents and blank forms are here
If you have any queries about the scheme please contact us.
Build Process
The summary new aircraft build process is-
- Operator registers the aircraft project with the LMA with form here
- LMA inspector from this list inspects the aircraft through the design & build process
- LMA issues a Flight Test Permit
- Pilot(s) carry out test flights in the presence of an LMA Flight Test Witness from this list at a location on this list
- LMA checks that all is in order and that the aircraft complies with the requirements of the over 25kg scheme
- LMA issues a Permit to Fly for that aircraft valid for one year that allows flights in public
Annual Renewals
Permits to Fly are specific to the operator and pilot(s), are issued for one year and need to be renewed annually.
The summary renewal process is-
- Operator makes annual declaration and renewal request to the LMA with form here
- LMA checks that all is in order and that the aircraft still complies with the requirements of the over 25kg scheme
- LMA issues a Permit to Fly for that aircraft valid for one year
Buying & Selling
If an aircraft changes ownership, the LMA must be informed as soon as reasonably possible and a new permit to fly is needed.
The summary ownership change process is-
- Operator informs the LMA of the ownership change with form here
- LMA inspector from this list inspects any modifications to the aircraft
- LMA issues a Permit to Test Fly
- Pilot(s) carry out test flights in the presence of an LMA Flight Test Witness from this list at a location on this list
- LMA checks that all is in order and that the aircraft still complies with the requirements of the over 25kg scheme
- LMA issues a Permit to Fly for that aircraft valid for one year
Adding New Pilots
New pilots can be added to an aircraft permit to fly at any time.
The summary additional pilot process is-
Modifications & Repairs
Significant changes or repairs to the aircraft will need to be inspected and test flights carried out.
The summary major modification or repair process is-
- Operator informs the LMA of the planned modification or repair with form here
- LMA inspector from this list inspects the aircraft through the modification / repair process
- Inspection form, completed for the modified or repaired areas, returned to the LMA
- Pilot(s) carry out the required number of test flights in the presence of an LMA Flight Test Witness from this list