General Aviation
3.0 Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes
3.1 Definition
An "advanced ultra-light aeroplane" means an aeroplane that has a type design that is in compliance with the standards specified in the manual entitled Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes (subsection 101.01, subpart 1 of Part I of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.)
3.2 Registration - Manufacturer
Transport Canada maintains a Listing of Approved Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes. Each model of advanced ultra-light aeroplane that a manufacturer markets must appear on this list before the owner can register the aircraft as an advanced ultra-light aeroplane.
For an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane to be added to this list the following information must be supplied to the Minister:
- a Declaration of Compliance (DOC); and
- a copy of the Manufacturer Specified Maintenance Program.
This information should be submitted to:
Transport Canada
Operational Airworthiness Division
Tower C, Place de Ville [AARTM]
330, Sparks Street
Ottawa Canada K1A 0N8
A copy of the DOC document is found in Appendix "A" of this strategy.
It should be pointed out that the Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes is not a alternative program for building amateur-built aeroplanes and avoiding the 51% construction requirements found in Chapter 549 of the Airworthiness Manual. Individuals who choose to file a DOC for a "one of" design that will be used for recreational purposes should realize that they will be liable for ensuring that their design continues to be safe for the life of the aircraft, even after the aeroplane has been subsequently sold to a new owner.
The purchase of "plans only" to construct and assemble an advanced ultra-light aeroplane is not permitted. There is no means of assuring quality control on the parts or materials used for construction. Building an aircraft in this manner falls under the purview of Chapter 549 of the Airworthiness Manual.
3.3 Registration - Owner
To become the registered owner the applicant must meet the registration requirements found in subparts 200 - 202 of Part II of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Transport Canada application form number 26-0522 is used for the initial application for registration of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane. The application (Part 2) of the certificate of registration is used by the new owner to apply for registration of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane.
The initial registration of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane requires the applicant to submit the following documents:
- Evidence of custody and control of the aeroplane such as a bill of sale, lease agreement or other acceptable document in accordance with Part II of the CAR's;
- A completed Application for Registration of Ultra-light Aeroplane (Transport Canada form number 26-0522); and
- A Statement of Conformity (SOC).
A copy of an SOC is found in Appendix "B" of this strategy.
The registration marks that will be issued to an advanced ultra-light aeroplane will begin with "C-I???".
3.4 Re-registration - Owner Transfer
When an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane is sold, the new owner is required to submit the following information:
- The application for continuing registration that is provided with the Certificate of Registration as part of the interim registration procedure;
- The Fit For Flight Form (see Appendix "C" for a copy); and
- Evidence that the manufacturer has been advised of a change of owner of the aeroplane and that the new owner has been added to the manufacturer's owner records.
3.5 Manufacturer Responsibility
Where a person manufacturers an advanced ultra-light aeroplane, that manufacturer shall ensure that their final product conforms to the aeroplane Type Definition and continues to do so for the life of the aircraft.
Where an advanced ultra-light aeroplane is manufactured as a complete aeroplane and is test flown by the manufacturer, the manufacturer shall provide the purchaser with a Statement of Conformity (SOC) that certifies that the specific aeroplane conforms to the aeroplane Type Definition.
Where an advanced ultra-light aeroplane kit is sold and assembled by a person other than the manufacturer, the manufacturer shall provide the owner with a SOC.
The manufacturer of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane is responsible for the "after market" support for the continuing "fit for flight" condition of their aeroplanes. The manufacturer of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane shall prepare and provide to all owners of the their aeroplanes the following information:
- maintain the aeroplane in a "fit for flight" condition; and
- Mandatory Action information issued by the manufacturer or Transport Canada and corrective procedures for potential unsafe flight conditions.
The manufacturer of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane shall maintain a current record of all Mandatory Actions affecting their aeroplanes.
The manufacturer of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane shall maintain a current record of owners of their aeroplanes. This record shall be made available to Transport Canada upon request.
3.6 Owner Responsibility
The owner of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane shall maintain the aeroplane in a "fit for flight" condition by adhering to the Manufacturer Specified Maintenance Program.
The owner of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane shall complete manufacturer's Mandatory Actions in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and time frame.
The owner of an advanced ultra-light aeroplane shall maintain appropriate records for the aeroplane which must include scheduled maintenance, mandatory action, modifications, and accident repairs.
If you have assembled an advanced ultra-light aeroplane from a kit, it is strongly recommended that you fly the aircraft for a period of time without carrying any passengers. This is usually about five (5) hours and allows you to "de-bug" the aircraft and get familiar with its performance and handling characteristics.
3.7 Operating Limitations
Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes operate under the same regulations as basic ultra-light aeroplanes except that a passenger may be carried if the pilot holds a licence/permit providing passenger carrying privileges AND the advanced ultra-light aeroplane meets the following conditions:
- The aircraft is registered as an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane;
- The Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane is maintained in accordance with the Manufacturer Specified Maintenance Program;
- The owner of the Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane has complied with any Mandatory Actions specified by the manufacturer;
- The Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane has not been modified without written approval from the manufacturer; and
- A placard is installed in a location highly visible to the both occupants of the aircraft containing the following information:
THIS AIRCRAFT IS AN ADVANCED ULTRA-LIGHT AEROPLANE
AND IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESS.
Failure to comply with these conditions will cause the aeroplane, where it meets basic Ultra-Light requirements, to revert to the basic Ultra-Light aeroplane category prohibiting the carriage of a passenger. Where the aeroplane does not meet the requirements of the basic Ultra-light category, the certificate of registration is cancelled in accordance with CAR 202.59.
3.8 Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane Uses
In addition to private recreational use an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane may be used for hire and reward for the purpose of pilot flight training in accordance with section 406 of Part IV of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
An advanced ultra-light aeroplane MAY NOT be used for any other commercial aviation operation or aerial work
3.9 Transborder Operations
Contracting states of ICAO have agreed to honour each other's flight authorities so long as those flight authorities are based on internationally-accepted and recognized standards. When this happens, a document called a Certificate of Airworthiness is issued in accordance with Article 31 of the ICAO Convention on Civil Aviation. Ultra-light aeroplanes in Canada are not issued with such a Certificate of Airworthiness. In fact, ultra-light aeroplanes operate in Canada without any flight authority document.
Without this document approval for flight in countries other than Canada may be difficult. Contact the appropriate foreign regulatory authority to request approval for flight into another country. Contact your nearest regional office for assistance in contacting foreign regulatory authorities.
3.10 Importing an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane
The Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane category does not exist anywhere else in the world. Other countries use the standards outlined in the Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes but the regulatory requirements are unique to each country. As such, if you plan to purchase an advanced ultra-light aeroplane from a manufacturer or owner outside of Canada you are encouraged to contact the nearest Transport Canada Regional Office to ensure that you are aware of all the administrative requirements before you make a financial commitment.