If you are interested in entering the process to receive clearance to fly Permit aircraft in IFR conditions or at night, when CAA approval is ultimately given later this year, please register your interest here.
The project, which has been underway for several years, is still awaiting final CAA review of documentation and flight test data, but to allow the LAA to plan for future resources to review applications, members are asked to register their interest via the questionnaire.
Before completing the survey, members are requested to read the two Technical Leaflets which have been prepared by LAA Engineering. These are currently regarded as drafts until CAA approval, but are offered now to allow owners and builders to plan future equipment requirements. TL 2.27 'Approval for Operation of LAA Permit to Fly Aircraft in IMC, Under IFR, or at Night' explains the philosophy behind LAA aircraft operation in night/IMC conditions and the processes for application and assessment, while TL 2.28 ‘Assessment of LAA Permit to Fly Aircraft for operation in IMC, under IFR or at Night’ details the specific equipment requirements and acts as an application checklist.
In addition, the following ‘Top Ten Questions and Answers’ have been prepared to help guide owners through the process:
TOP TEN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. IS MY AIRCRAFT ELIGIBLE FOR NIGHT IFR FLYING?
Not automatically. Firstly we need to find out if your aircraft type is suitable, then look at your aeroplane in particular based on the level of fitted equipment and robustness of its instrument back-up systems, as well as stability, handling characteristics and pilot workload in night/IFR conditions. The aircraft will be classified by type on a 'possible', 'not possible' or 'possible but not yet evaluated' criteria. There is then a review of each individual aircraft and its compliance with the type standard or modification state.
2. WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR A TYPE TO QUALIFY?
To identify which aircraft types might be suitable the Night-IFR team reviewed all of the types currently approved by the LAA and looked at those with a wing loading greater than 60kg/m2, but discounted aeroplanes like the Pitts Special. Each type will require a detailed flight test, possibly two or more, to examine its flying qualities. More information can be found in LAA Technical Leaflet TL 2.27.
3. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO FOR MY AIRCRAFT TO QUALIFY?
Information on the required levels of equipment and approved types can be found in LAA Technical Leaflet TL 2.28.
4. I AM CURRENTLY BUILDING AN AIRCRAFT. WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I FIT?
Details of specific requirements and equipment can be found in LAA Technical Leaflet TL 2.28.
5. WILL MY AIRCRAFT NEED A SPECIALIST FLIGHT TEST?
It is likely that all homebuilt aircraft will need a flight test to check their handling - all home- or kit-built aircraft are inevitably different - and to make sure the installed systems work properly when airborne. Former certified types that have previously been approved for night or IMC flight should not need a test flight, but this depends on any modifications fitted since moving to a permit.
6. MY AIRCRAFT WAS ORIGINALLY CERTIFIED FOR NIGHT/IFR. WHY CAN’T I FLY SIMILARLY ON A PERMIT RIGHT NOW?
The LAA is required to satisfy the CAA that the aircraft, now being operated outside a certified maintenance regime, still has the appropriate equipment in a suitable condition to ensure safe operation. Most formerly certified aircraft are heritage types with aging equipment and electrical systems. Therefore they require an appropriate audit and inspection.
7. WILL THERE BE SPECIAL MAINTENANCE OR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS REQUIREMENTS?
Yes. These will be included in your Tailored Maintenance Schedules and Inspection procedures. As many appropriate aircraft are by their nature more complex types, this will include areas such as engine and propeller overhaul schedules, instrument and electrical systems inspections.
8. I’M NOT INTERESTED IN IFR, BUT I’D STILL LIKE TO BE ABLE TO FLY AT NIGHT. IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Yes. We have proposed to the CAA a procedure where you will be able to apply for Night VFR-only. We’re awaiting their agreement to this, although it is similar to the approval for IMC.
9. HOW SOON IS THIS COMING ON STREAM?
We have made the formal technical submissions to the CAA as the basis of the approval. We still need to gain their approval in areas such as the owner submission process and the list of assessment pilots for handling checks. Once these are in place, by late-2016, we hope to be able to offer the first approvals outside the trial process.
10. WHY HAS IT TAKEN THE LAA SO LONG TO OFFER THESE APPROVALS?
The CAA has naturally been cautious about extending these clearances to such a potentially diverse fleet. In addition, almost all the work in developing this has been carried out by LAA volunteers, as LAA staff resources are necessarily limited. There have also been delays in the flight test process due to the availability and serviceability of trial aircraft. However, we are happy to report recent progress and look forward to rolling out the approvals as soon as the CAA is satisfied.
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