BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, June 6, 2012 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) welcomes certification of the first light sport aeroplanes (LSA) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).    The new certification specifications apply to aeroplanes with two seats that weigh less than 600 kilogrammes (1320 pounds).

“Certification of the first LSAs in Europe is a clear signal that EASA is genuinely committed to investing resources that will help revitalise the light end of the general aviation segment,” said GAMA’s President and CEO, Pete Bunce.  “These new certification specifications will result in increased safety and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden as new, more advanced aircraft and technologies are brought to market.”

This recent move by EASA is just one portion of the agency’s increased focus on light general aviation (GA) aircraft – from microlights up to certification specification (CS) 23 aeroplanes. 

Bunce continued, “GAMA is pleased that EASA continues to support and partner with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Part 23 (CS23) Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), which will modernise the design and manufacturing rules for aircraft in this certification category.” 

The rewrite of the P23/CS23 certification specifications will most likely create a progressive, tier-based system where smaller, lighter aeroplanes will be designed and certificated under rules more appropriate for their complexity than the heavier, higher performance aeroplanes in the same certification category.  Bringing these new products to market will become more efficient, thereby decreasing their cost and acting as a catalyst for a resurgence at the light end of the segment.   Participation by certification bodies around the world is critical to ensuring that the standards for light aeroplanes are consistent and accepted around the globe.