StRaNgEdAyS
Well-Known Member
Just for those in Australia, here's a blurb on the 95.55-1.5 regulations I'll be building my first two planes under.
1.5: RAA Amateur-built (Experimental) : an expansion of 95.10 allowing a heavier, but more durable, structure. A privately built ultralight where the major portion (51% +) of the aircraft must be fabricated and assembled by the owner. The aircraft is intended for educational or recreational purposes, plus – MTOW = 544 kg; maximum Vso = 45 knots CAS; maximum 2 places. In the case of a two place seaplane the weight is extended to 614 kg. The aircraft need not be designed to an approved standard, or constructed from certified type materials, and can be of any origin but must be built in accordance with the RAA Technical Manual section 3.3. Can be built from a kit supplied by a manufacturer who may or may not hold a CASA Production Certificate but the kit must also be eligible to comply with the 51% 'Major Portion Rule' under CASR part 21. There is no requirement that the aircraft be built under supervision. A pre-cover/pre-closure inspection is highly recommended, and there must be a pre-flight final inspection, observed by RAA / CASA authorised inspectors, but that final inspection does not determine airworthiness – the owner/builder must accept entire responsibility for that, and sign a document to that effect before the first flight. As with 95.10 the aircraft must carry a cockpit placard warning that the aircraft is not required to comply with the safety regulations for standard aircraft and persons (passengers) fly in it at their own risk. Although the aircraft is issued with a special CoA this certificate does not attest to the aircraft being fully airworthy. RAA registration 19-xxxx.