Is this a common feature of many UK aeroplanes, the original manufacturer has dissapeared and the aeroplane owners are left with potential problems. In the vintage aeroplane area, I am thinking of Miles as an example.
I am sure that a number of american types must be similarly affected. What is the situation in the US?
cheers
As Joe Petroni mentioned earlier, most ‘orphaned’ light aircraft without manufacturer or third party design support in the UK are catered for via the ‘Permit to Fly’ scheme either granted direct from the CAA on a type by type basis (for such as Miles Messengers, Proctors or similar) or for some approved types this is delegated to the Light Aircraft Association. These usually allow non-commercial, daytime VFR-only use within the UK and Permits are normally accepted as the required airworthiness certificate if permission is applied for in advance for visits to overseas countries.
In the USA, most non-certified light aircraft (and historic heavy metal) are granted airworthiness in the “Experimental” category. There is also the new LSA ‘light sport aircraft’ category available for types under 1320 lbs weight, which allows aircraft to be flown with less stringent Sport Pilot licenses. As far as I understand though, aircraft such as Cubs, although they fit under the weight limit and can be flown by pilots holding Sport Pilot certificates, cannot themselves be relicensed into the new LSA category.
Hope this helps?
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