Maybe you don't know, but some Light Sport Aircraft (ALE) that today are ed as experimental can start to operate as special. One of the main differences between the categories is that experimental ALEs are prohibited from flying over densely populated areas, being restricted to aerodromes where the operation does not result in the need to cross densely populated areas, while special ALEs do not have such a limitation.
During a period, due to the lack of operational forecast, the aircraft, even if eligible to be classified as special ALEs, received an Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE) issued by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). By operating with a CAVE, aircraft of this category were subject to the same prohibitions defined for experimental purposes. However, with the publication of the Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC) nº 91, in March 2020, which presented the operational rules for special ALEs, it became possible to issue the Special Airworthiness Certificate for Light Sport Aircraft (CE -ALE), which is the specific CA for special ALEs.
What must the owner or operator do to migrate an experimental ALE that operates on CAVE to a special ALE that operates on CE-ALE? To answer this question, first we need to that Special ALEs are aircraft (engines and propellers) that comply with the consensual standards of ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) — the US standardization body — and that have a declaration of compliance with the aforementioned standards issued by their manufacturer (according to item No. 21.190 of RBAC 21). In addition, the aircraft must conform to its original configuration, except for changes made in accordance with an applicable consensus standard and authorized by the aircraft manufacturer, and not present an unsafe condition (RBAC No. 21.181 (a)(3)). Thus, aircraft that originally did not receive a CE-ALE due to lack of operational forecast and that fit the description above are eligible to migrate.
In order for the migration to take place, the aircraft must be presented to its manufacturer, who, after inspecting the aircraft and carrying out the necessary checks and actions, must submit statements and record in the aircraft logs that this aircraft complies with device no. 21.181 (a)(3) of RBAC 21. In general, the aircraft must be in accordance with the original configuration and with maintenance properly up to date.
In possession of the statements issued and records made by the aircraft manufacturer, the owner (or his attorney) must fill out form F-132-10 (Click on the link to access) following the instructions recommended in the document, pay the corresponding fees and file this documentation in the Electronic Information System – SEI! (More information about the electronic protocol is available on the page anac.gov.br/o-a-informacao/protocolo-eletronico), sending the process for evaluation by SAR/GTCO.
After evaluation by the Agency, the new Registration Certificate – CM and CE-ALE will be issued and sent electronically to the owner (via ed email) and, from then on, the aircraft will be officially classified as a special ALE.
It is important to clarify that this migration process is only applicable to aircraft that were manufactured by companies that had their respective aircraft model recognized by ANAC as a Special ALE (RBAC 21.190), according to the list of aircraft models and kits eligible for a certificate of airworthiness special or experimental (click on the link to consult), as adhering to compliance with ASTM consensus standards.
The following are not eligible to make this category change:
- Aircraft manufactured under Exemption given by RBAC 21.191(i)(1), regarding demonstration of compliance with ASTM standards;
- Aircraft manufactured from an assembly as defined in RBAC 21.191(i)(2);
- Aircraft manufactured on a date prior to the recognition of the respective model by ANAC.
