ANAC issues recognition for the first 4-seater Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) in the world to brazilian manufacturer

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has granted the Brazilian company Flyer Indústria Aeronáutica the Letter of Recognition for the RV-10 LSA aircraft, acknowledging it as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA). With this recognition, the company is authorized to manufacture the aircraft in Brazil, expanding the range of products in this category in the country. Flyer is now the ninth Brazilian manufacturer to receive the recognition of Special LSA.  

The RV-10 LSA is a milestone, being the world's first Special LSA aircraft with a capacity for 4 seats to meet the consensus standards of the LSA category.  

For the recognition of the RV-10 LSA, ANAC conducted a consistency analysis, technical visits to the manufacturer, and an inspection of the aircraft. The aim of this process was to verify that the company conducted all the analyses and tests required by consensus standards and that the manufacturer's declaration has technical foundations.  

Based in Sumaré, São Paulo, Flyer has partnered with Vans Aircraft, USA, and initiated the recognition process for the aircraft as a Special LSA in December 2022. The process is based on the manufacturer's statement that the aircraft and the company's quality system comply with the consensus standards of ASTM International, as required in the Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC) N° 21. 

It is important to clarify that the RV-10 LSA differs from the amateur-built RV-10, as it underwent the analyses and tests required by consensus standards. This resulted in improvements in flight controls, and the aircraft's equipment, including the engine, are more reliable as they now comply with internationally accepted industry standards. Additionally, the RV-10 LSA is produced according to a quality and production system that ensures traceability and greater safety for the operator.  

The fleet of Special LSAs must remain under the manufacturer's monitoring, which must propose improvements and corrections to design and production whenever necessary for safety reasons. This monitoring is not mandatory for amateur-built aircraft.  

We also clarify that RV-10 amateur-built aircraft, manufactured according to RBAC 21.191(g), are not eligible to be classified as Special LSAs.  

Regulation of the LSA category  

The recognition of the RV-10 LSA as a Special LSA was possible because, in July 2022, ANAC amended the regulations of the LSA category in Brazil, allowing airplanes with up to 4 seats and a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of up to 1,361 kg to use consensus standards of the LSA category developed by ASTM International.  

This new regulation, besides aligning Brazil with international standards, allows for a cost reduction in the approval of new projects for these aircraft compared to the type certification process while maintaining an acceptable level of safety through compliance with consensus standards.