POPT]LAR FLYING ASSOCIATION

AIRWORTHINESS PROCEDURE FOR ULTRA LIGHT AIRCRAFT _______-<>___

Contents

INTRODUCTION

Part l-Requirements for Recommendation of Permit to Fly for Ultra-Light Aircraft.

Part 2-Basic application of Requirements.

Part 3-Notes on the interpretation and further application of the Requirements with list of definitions for guidance of constructors.

Issued by: THE POPULAR FLYING ASSOCIATION

LONDONDERRY HOUSE PARK LANE, LONDON, W.I

The 1956 Permit to Fly system established between the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Popular Flying Association required that the Association should have a working code of airworthiness procedure'

One tf the principal obstacles to the production of ultra-light aircraft before 1956 was the expense and professional work involved in meetingtherequirementsforaBritishCertiflcate of Airworthiness with the need for a Type tested engine, accessories and equipment' By rninisterial dispensation these requirements are now no longer applicable. lt rests with the Popular Flying Association to recommend the issue of a Permit to Fly for a United Kingdom registered ultra-light aircrafL Past experience hai shown the dangers of haphazard design and construction of such aircraft and it is apparent thatifthenewpermitsystemistobesuccessful recommendations must be based on sound and establishedprinciplesofaeronauticalengineering coupled with a responsible approach to the p.otl.*, involved in a voluntary organisation carrying out airworthiness investigations'

It was agreed by the Technical and Operations CommitteethattheFrenchairworthinessframework as applied to ultra-light aircraft could be profltably used as basis of, the Association's ,."o-*.ndations to the Minister' The advantages of this step are widespread and far reachi"g. The French system was examined at close qriarters and its application studied in discussions with the Reseau de Sport du L'Air, the Bureau Veritas, the Air Registration Board, amateur constructors, and designers' A11 concerned in the discussions agreed to its simplicity of operation success in producing workable aitciaft without excessive administrative top hamper. It was also felt that a bilateral agreement t.t uir*orthiness could help the movement in such matters as validation of approval in respect of ultra-light aircralt designs'

Based on the background of successful French procedure coupled with proven procedures applicable to British civil aircraft, the Airworthiness Procedure Plan was drawn up in diagrammatic form (see Fig. 1). This plan lays out the main headings and guides the reader through the procedure necessary to obtain a Permit to FIy. Detailed remarks on the main headings are contained in Part 3' Sect[on l. APPucnrtox

1.1. The text applies only to aircraft complying with the established definition of an ultralight aircraft.

1.2. Commercial undertakings producing series aircraft for sale have the option of complying with full C. of A' requirements or Permit to FIY requirements' Section 2. RnQursr pon PBnutr

2.1. Application is made to the Popular FlYing Association'

2.2. Documents accompanying application to be:-

(a) A 3-view General Arrangement with main rigging dimensions (Prototypes onlY)'

(b) A brief weight analysis, particularly in respect of weight empty, weight of fuel, oil, variable loads, maximum weight, and centre of gravity ranges'

(c) Main characteristics of engine'

(d) Chatacteristics of propeller' (Manufacture, tYPe, diameter and Pitch')

(e) List of Instruments'

(/) ProPosed date for InsPection'

(g) Airfield for tests'

(/z) Name and licence details of test pilotis' Section 3. DrstcN LNp CoNSTRUcTIoN

3.1. In the case of prototype aitctaft or Major Modification adequate compliance with acceptable design criteria to be shown'

3.2. Before final covering an official P'F'A' inspection of the structure is necessary for all aircraft'

3.3. Aircraft to be submitted for final inspection completely assembled' engine and instruments in Place'

3.4. Minimumessentialinstruments andequipment to be fitted as prescribed in A.N.O. and A.N.R.

3.5. A prototype design must show adequate protection for cockpit if aircraft is overturned.

3.6. No modifications or deviations from drawings without agreement with Popular Flying Association.

3.7. Further examinations may be considered necessary by Popular Flying Association before authority for flight.

3.8. Shoulder harness to be fitted for all occupants.

Section 4. Frtcnr Tnsr AurHonlsATroN

4.1. Following final inspection a provisional flight authorisation for flight tests is issued valid for three months. This authorisation is conditional on adequate third party insurance cover.

(See Secrion 10.)

Section 5. Tnsr Frtcsrs

5.1. (Prototype Aircraft).

After preparation and initial test flights the aircraft must undergo an endurance test of a minimum total of 15 hours of flight with 50 landings (single-seater), 25 hours of flight with 100 landings (multi-seaters).

5.2. (Series Aircraft).

Aircraft constructed from P.F.A. approved sets of plans will be recommended for Permit to Fly with a reduction of flight test to 5 hours, 15 landings, this including the endurance flight in 5.3.

5.3. (Al1 Aircraft).

One flight in each case to be to maximum safe endurance.

5.4. No adjustments permitted other than strictly routine maintenance.

5.5. Following satisfactory initial test flights and before endurance flights take off and landing distances using 50 feet, obstacle not to exceed 600 yards, without brakes, grass surface no wind.

5.6. Radius of test and endurance flights not to exceed 10 nautical miles from airfield and avoiding built-up areas.

Section 6. SupprsuBNTARY Tnsrs

6.1. (A1l Aircraft). These may be called for at maximurn c. of g. limits if considered necessary.

Section 7. CoNrnor or Tnsrs

7.1. Tests for all aircraft are to be supervised by the Popular Flying Association or an organisation acting with their approval.

Section 8. IssuB or Penurr ro FLY

8.1. The Permit to Fly is issued subject to, satisfactory assessment and report to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation by the Popular Flying Association.

Section 9. Vlrmrry AND RENEwAL on' Prnulr TO FLY.

9.1. Valid for one year, invalidated by unauthorised modiflcation or an unsatisfactory state of maintenance.

9.2. Renewal on basis of inspection by Popular Flying Association.

Section 10. lNsunRNcE

10.1. Valid and sufficient third party insurance' is essential for at least f 10,000.

Section ll. MoomlcarroN

11.1. Modiflcation from declared standard on' which certiflcation is based must be officially agreed in writing by the Popular Flying Association, failing which, certification is invalid.

Supplementary tests as necessary to be carried out to the satisfaction of Popular Flying Association.

Section 12. RssrRrcrroNs oN Uss

12.1. These aircraft must follow the rules of' air traffic and additionally fly only in the United Kingdom unless otherwise specially authorised by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.

12.2. Aerobatics not permissible.

12.3. A11 flights must be in contact flight conditions.

12.4. Hire and reward flying is not permitted..

Section 13. RnctsrRluoN lContinued.

13.1. The aircraft to bear prescribed registration letters in accordance with the Air Navigation Order.

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News has been received from Mr. E. O. Tips, the well-known Belgian designer of the famous Tipsies. His latest design, the Tipsy Nipper, is following a very severe programme of tests as the following notes will show.

The Nipper, relistered OO-NIX, is fitted with a V.W. modifled engine giving 38 b.h.p. and a bLrbble type hood. This aircraft has been on test for some months and is giving excellent results.

All the main structure has been statically tested by the S.M.V., the Belgian A.R.B., and has withstood loadings for aerobatic conditions.

Tl"re proposed engine for the standard version is the HEPU (VW) of 40 b.h.p. at 3,500 r.p.m. This engine has been officially tested by the German authorities and, Mr. Tips states, is very reliable and requires no maintenance.

In one of the prototype Nippers a Stamo engine is being fitted, and gives 45 b.h.p. at 2,800 r.p.m. Dual ignition is fitted and this engine is already flying in German Turbulents.

OO-NIX has been flown for many hours in all sorts of conditions by Bernard Neefs, the Tipsy Test Pilot, and also Mr. Masters of Fairey's, at Ringway. A11 are full of enthusiasm about the good ground handling, take off and landing performance in cross winds, as well as aerobatics. Eight turn spins have been performed right and left as well as the usuai gamut of aerobatics. It is hoped to have at least one Nipper at the P.F.A. Rally in September.

Trmspn. Many of our readers interested in amateur construction have mentioned from time to time that they would like to increase their knowledge of timber and glues as used in aircraft construction.

A series of authoritative articles has been produced in the journal of the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers and have been

Popular Flyins, Februar.y, 1959

written by Mr. D. W. Richardson, M.B.E., A.F.R.Ae.S., M.S.L.A.E.

of the de Havilland Aircraft Company Ltd. This author is wellknown for his skill and knowledge appertaining to the subject, and his very original work is based therefore on fact, and not second-hand data. Members interested should write direct to the Society of Licensed Aircraft Engineers at l, High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

At the last meeting of the Executive Committee of the P.F.A. two eminent members of the amateur aircraft construction movement were elected honorary members of the P.F.A. The first is Paul 'Poopdeck' Poberezny, the founder and President of the Experimental Aircralt Association of the United States of America, Paul is a keen constructor and was responsible for the first post war Corben Baby Ace to be constructed. He has also built a snappy little job known as Little Audrey, while in between answering stacks of letters he is currently trying to finish off his ' Pober Sport '.

Our second eminent honorary member is the modest and ever popular Georges Beraud, the President of the Reseau du Sport de l'Air. Many of our members have had the pleasure of meeting Georges at the P.F.A. rallies at Sywell and Cardiff. His two seat Jodel with a 75 h.p. Continental, and the tropical khaki hat arc well-known figures wherever European amateurs foregather.

To both we say ' ahearty welcome to membership of our association'.

The Popular Flying Association is represented on the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation's Joint Standing Committee for Private Flyin_e and Gliding by the P.F.A. President, Peter G. Masefield and the Chairman of the P.F.A., Harold Best-Devereux. On the Radio sub-committee we are represented by Captain 'Teddy' Davies, a member of the Executive Committee and well-known as an expert electrical engineer.

The Garland Bianchi Aircraft Company announce that they have been appointed agents for propellers manufactured by Helices Regy of France. This organisation make propellers for all sizes of engines from pop bottles upwards.

Small Advertisements

Members of the Popular Flying Association may hav,e the use of^t!-i2 ,column .for"advertising articies ianted, exchang-e or disposal .fot. ON E INSERIION up to 24 words FREE. If-mgre than one insertion it must i" iiia cash ii advance at the rate rif \d. per word (min. 12 -w-ords)' Boi. No. ls.6d. extra. Non-Memberi chargeable at the rate of 6d. per word (min. 12 words). Box No. ls. 6d. extraCheques and Postal Orders should be crossed and sent to Fryers Advertising Service,lO Mitcham Lane, S.W.l6.

FOR SALE

DRUINE TURBULENT UNDERCARRIAGE, brand new' Box 106, P.F., 19, Park Lane, W.l.

HALF PLATE AND ENPRINTS of photographs in popuI-ln rivrNc, many in stock. Also sets of 25 ultra light a-ircraft. p.p.l.'I-onOirnderry House, 19, Park Lane, London, W.1'

De HAVILLAND LEOPARD MOTH, Gipsv Major I 0 engine' tvt"ioltv MR 80 radio, two years C- of A. to go, carefully mairitained since makers rebuild. Apply: H. Best-Devereux, Flat 6,22. Hall Drive, Sydenham, London, S.E.26.

NORD NORECRIN, REGNIER ENGINE, 200 hours since ""*, ZO channel Lear VHF, full mod. standard. 1,200,000 francs franco. Apply S. A. N. Bernay, Eure, France.

NEW Continental 80 h.p. flat four aero engine. Avro Avian ui.rtig" bi-plane. New Slingsby Mqtqt Tutor fuselage'

P. H6uston, Kings Mill Lodge, S. Nutfield, Surrey.

NEW PIEL EMERAUDE NOSE COWLING, professionallv -ia" i., aircraft spec. material. Box 101, P.F., 19, Park Lane, 24-VOLT TWO CHANNEL EKCO V.H.F. RADIO' Box 102, P.F., 19, Park Lane, W. l.

DRUINE TURBULENT AIRCRAFT, Ardem enging, a-pp1o1i*utitv 60 hours since new, fully overhauled. Box 103, P.F., 19, Park Lane, W.l.

De HAVILLAND CHIPMUNK, completelv overhauled like ""* "lt hour engine with maker's overhagl, spinner-mod. niOio. One year-or three year C. of A. Colour to choice. Si", Elst."". -Apply, E' Chick, Elstree Aerodrome. ELStree

3586.

BENES-MRAZ SOKOLS, choice of two, one with thirtv iro.r.iiir"" new. Three seats, retractable undercarriage, fast' Box 104, P.F., 19, Park Lane, W.1.

AUSTER J.4. First-class condition. Long range ta!\, .it"""".. 50 hours to go on engine. Price f,900. Box 105, P.F., 19. Park Lane' W.l.

\vANTED 70 h.p. SALMSON RADIAL ENGINE. K. St. High Street, Dorking. SurreY.

WANTED J.A.P. J.99 ENGINE AND WINGS t"tor. So* 107, P.F., 19, Park Lane, W'1'

EXCHANGE

Cyrien, 79, for Motor

WOI-tl,O LIKE TO TRADE 35 m.m. colour slides of present ;;; fl;;r antique aircraft, lor similar with anyone interested' n-"erO Ju-..on, I665 N. 4th Street. Columbus l. Ohio' U.S.A.

Forthcoming Events

Februalv lOth P.F.A. London area Noggin and Natter at the - K ronleld Club.

March lOth P.F.A. London area Noggin and Natter at the I(ronleld Club'

March 13th British Gliding Association Ball at Londonderry House.

Aoril t4th P.F.A. London area Noggin and Natter at the ' Kronleld Club.

Mav 2nd Air Rally at Woburn Park. Details lrom Royal Aero Club Air Touring DePt'

May 9th-l8th National Gliding Championships at Lasham' Hants'

May 23rd

P.F.A. Annual General Meeting and Social Evening'

.June 26th t lth International Air Tour in Sicily'

Jone 27th-2911-r Royal Aero Club Invitation Rally at la Baule'

July 4th-6th Royal Aero Club Invitation Rallv at Deauville'

July 4th-6th Rallv of the Wines of Anjou at Angers'

-lulv gth-l lth National Air Races and Lockheed Aerobatic Trophy contest at CoventrY'

Sr-pt.erragrn 5TH PoPULAR Ft-vtNc AssoctartoN Ra'rr-v'

.SEPTEMBER 6TH

-seotember 7th *-io-iji[ s.B.A.C. Displav at Farnborough'

Tiel Aviatiort,

BUII,D YOURSETF A1[ EMERAUI}E

Elegance - Safety - Comfort - Performance

Superb Controllability

Economical to operate

Easy to build and flY

Spars, engine bearers, undercorriages and all components available from:

Tiel Aviation

]0, ALLEE DE NEMOURS LIVRY-GARGAN, S et O. FRANCE

Plans sets from Popular Flying Association.

REGIOI{AI. REPRESENTATION

At the last meeting of the P.F.A. Executive Committee it was decided to extend a specif,c invitation to Groups to nominate area representatives. It is anticipated that four or five areas would be involved and for a kick off Northern, Midland, Welsh and Southern are rough indications.

These members would need to be enthusiasts for the cause of Group flying, have unlimited patience, tact, and spare time, be able to write, and once in a while be prepared to travel to London to a P.F.A. Executive Committee meeting of which they would be full members. By this means we would be assured of better Group representation in all matters. Please send nominations to Jill Exell at Londonderry House.

Poptrlar Flying, February, 1959