Ultra-light Aeroplane Transition Strategy - 1.0 General Information

1.0  General Information

1.1  Introduction

The implementation of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) has resulted in the regulatory references, authorizations and exemptions found in the Ultra-light Aeroplane Policy and The Interim Policy for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes no longer being applicable. The evolving work of the Recreational Aviation Review Project precluded the inclusion of the contents of the Ultra-light Aeroplane Policy into the initial publication of the CARs.

This strategy will serve as a regulatory bridge to ensure that owners and operators of ultra-light and advanced ultra-light aeroplanes continue with the privileges afforded them under the original ultra-light aeroplane policy. The intention is to provide an invisible transition from the Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders to the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

1.2  Interpretation

The terms and words used will be referenced in part 1.4 and 1.5 of this strategy and in subpart 101, Part I, Part II, Part IV and Part VI of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

1.3  Application

The information contained herein applies in respect of Ultra-light Aeroplanes, Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes and the privileges for the Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane. This strategy will be in effect on the date that the Director General, Civil Aviation approves and signs this strategy and will remain in effect until the CARs are amended to reflect these changes.

1.4  Definition

Under subpart 101 of the CARs, Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane is included as a subset of the ultra-light aeroplane category. For the purpose of this strategy, Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes will be those as described in the CARs and "basic" ultra-light aeroplanes will refer to those aircraft that have the limited design criteria and are prohibited from carrying passengers.

1.5  Terminology

The following defines the terms that are used within this strategy. Where a term is not defined here, the definition found in the CARs will apply.

"Aerial work" means a commercial air service other than an air transport service or a flight training service;

"Aeroplane kit" means an aeroplane designed and manufactured, but not completely assembled, that is sold with instructions for assembly by a person other than the manufacturer;

"Declaration of Compliance" (DOC) means a written submission to Transport Canada by the manufacturer of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane attesting that the Type Definition for a particular make and model of advanced ultra-light aeroplane complies with design standards published in The Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes;

"Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes" means standards for the design of Advanced Ultralight Aeroplanes that have been accepted by the Minister;

"Fit For Flight Form" (FFFF) means a document that when signed by the old owner and the new owner provides acceptable evidence of the transfer of custody and control of an ultra-light aeroplane and on which the old owner declares and the new owner accepts that the aeroplane is fit for flight, there are no unapproved modifications on the aeroplane, all mandatory actions have been completed and there are no outstanding maintenance actions as required by the Manufacturer Specified Maintenance Program.

"Flight authority" means a certificate of airworthiness, special certificate of airworthiness, flight permit or validation of a foreign document attesting to an aircraft's fitness for flight, issued under Part 507 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, or a foreign certificate of airworthiness that meets the requirements of Article 31 of the ICAO Convention on Civil Aviation;

"Listing of Approved Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes" means a Transport Canada list of aeroplanes for which a DOC has been provided by an aircraft manufacturer that attests that the aeroplane Type Definition for a specific Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane model meets the Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes and a Manufacturer Specified Maintenance Program has been provided.

"Maximum take-off weight" means the total weight, resting on the surface of the earth installed equipment and appliances and, if installed, floats and a ballistic recovery system;

"Mandatory Action" means an action taken with respect to an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane, which, in the opinion of the manufacturer or Transport Canada, if not taken, would result in an unsafe or potentially unsafe condition.

"Manufacturer" means a person or company that designs, builds or supplies:

  1. ultra-light Aeroplanes in the form of completed aircraft;
     
  2. partially completed kits that require final assembly by someone other than the aircraft manufacturer; or
     
  3. parts for installation on ultra-light aeroplanes.

"Modification" means any deviation from the original ultra-light aeroplane design specification that was submitted to Transport Canada.

"Statement of Conformity" (SOC) means a document upon which a Manufacturer attests that a specific aeroplane manufactured and test flown by the manufacturer, or a specific aeroplane kit manufactured, sold, and assembled by a person other than the manufacturer, conforms to the Manufacturer's Type Definition as stated in the Declaration of Compliance for that aeroplane.

"Type Definition" means the Manufacturer's technical specifications, drawings, calculations, assembly instructions and other documented material for a particular model of Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane. This information must be kept by the manufacturer and be made available to Transport Canada upon request.