Cicaré USA shared that the Cicaré 8 helicopter achieved certification under the LTF-ULH regulations for ultralight helicopters (under 600 kg or 1320 lbs max take-off weight), the first helicopter to be certified under this new weight class.  The Cicaré 8 also holds a certification in France under its Class 6 requirements and the Cicaré Trainer is also currently approved by the FAA as an approved air training device (ATD).

“Achieving certification from these regional aviation authorities enables the delivery of factory assembled helicopters to our customers in those regions.” stated Cicaré CEO Keith Barr.  He also added “This is another step in our strategy to achieve broader certifications and make sport helicopters more attainable for anyone.”  Cicaré USA launched operations last month to support North and Central American customers and stated that they are now taking orders for the Cicaré 8, as well as the other models in the Cicaré line-up.  Focused on improving access to sport helicopters and their safe operation in flying adventures, Cicaré USA will provide resources to its North and Central American customers for owning, operating, and maintaining personal sport helicopters as well as a network of training partners to achieve helicopter pilot licenses and maintain pilot proficiency and currency required by the FAA.

“Having the Cicaré 8 be the first ultralight helicopter in the world with a UL Type Certificate in the LTF-ULH category of 600 kg (approx. 1320 lbs) MTOW is a significant milestone.” shared Juan Manuel Cicarè, President of Cicarè S.A.  “The extensive certification process required under LTF-ULH is similar to FAA Part 27 certification, though a slightly simpler process.” said David Chuguransky, principal engineer for Cicaré, who worked with Deutscher Ultraleichtflugverband e.V. (DULV) to complete the certification.   To obtain this type certificate, analytical calculations, simulations, static tests, dynamic and fatigue tests, flight tests, destructive tests, and durability tests in adverse conditions, among other tests were conducted over 4 years with more than 500 hours of flight tests.  “While the LTF-ULH is considered somewhat more streamlined than Part 27, there is still opportunity to improve the certification of aircraft by manufacturers to improve delivery as we have seen with light sport aircraft (LSA) here in the US under the FAA, something we will continue to pursue for all Cicaré helicopter models.” said Barr.