[Avionics Today 11-18-2014] The United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has put forth a proposal to simplify the initial testing process for experimental aircraft in the U.K. The proposal aims to benefit small-scale aircraft designers and manufacturers, as well as encourage the growth of aerospace excellence in new design concepts. The CAA has launched a consultation aimed at reducing the red tape and financial burdens associated with securing airworthiness and operational approval for new light aircraft designs as part of an initiative to reduce regulation surrounding General Aviation (GA). 


Under the CAA’s proposals, aircraft designers will be able to try out a new concept (up to a maximum takeoff weight of 2,000 kg) in the air without going through the costly and time consuming procedures that currently exist to get a new design through the initial prototype. If, after trying out a promising idea, it is thought to be viable, then a full design approval program can be planned and funded using traditional methods.