Pipistrel get UK design approval
Slovenian manufacturer of fixed-wing microlights and light sport aeroplanes, Pipistrel Aircraft, has been given design and production approval by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The move will allow the company to sell its type-approved microlights directly into the UK market without needing any additional permissions. Pipistrel is the first manufacturer of fixed-wing aircraft based outside of the UK to get such direct approval.
All Pipistrel's microlights are classified as 'Annex II' and are therefore regulated by national aviation authorities, such as the CAA, rather than the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
At a presentation at the Slovenian Embassy on Wednesday 13 December 2017, Pipistrel's founder and CEO, Ivo Boscarol, was presented with 'BCAR' Chapter A8-21 Design and Production Approval by the Head of the CAA's General Aviation Unit, Tony Rapson.
The process to approve Pipistrel was instigated and assisted by the manufacturer's UK agent and distributor, Deepak Mahajan of FlyAbout Aviation.
Speaking after the presentation, Tony Rapson, said: “We are delighted to be able to present Pipistrel with this approval. The company produce microlights that are in significant demand in the UK market and this move will allow them much easier access to their customer base.
“We are determined to continue simplifying where possible those rules and regulations that are within our oversight, for the benefit of the UK general aviation community.”