How do I get a C of A or Permit to Fly the completed Europa?
In the UK, the paperwork which clears your aeroplane for flight is the ultimate responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) but they have delegated the day-to-day function of this to the LAA. So, as an aircraft builder in UK, you really have to join the LAA. In the US, you deal with the local FAA office when it comes to clearing the aircraft for flight. In UK, homebuilts do not get a C of A, but rather a “Permit to Fly”, similar to that issued for a manufacturer’s prototype. In USA, they are issued a C of A in the “Experimental” category. In the UK, inspections of the work in progress are made by an inspector appointed by the LAA. Without evidence of such inspections, the aircraft will not be permitted to fly. Documentary evidence of the building process, preferably countersigned by an EAA “Technical Counselor” is required in USA. Before the aircraft is cleared for flight, the responsible authority must be satisfied that it has been built correctly, to an acceptable standard o
