LTF-ULH Rotorcraft Impresses

Cicaré USA’s Cicaré 8 helicopter has achieved certification under the LTF-ULH regulations for ultralight helicopters (under 1320-pounds maximum take-off weight). The helicopter is the first to be certified under the new weight class.

The Cicaré 8 also holds French certification under the European nation’s Class 6 requirements. Moreover, the FAA has designated the Cicaré Trainer an approved air training device (ATD).

Cicaré CEO Keith Barr stated: “Achieving certification from these regional aviation authorities enables the delivery of factory assembled helicopters to our customers in those regions.”

Mr. Barr 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.

Cicarè USA (www.cicare-usa.com) provides sales, support & services to Cicarè helicopter owners and buyers in North and Central America through its operations in Reno, Nevada. Models include the Cicaré 8 and Cicaré 7T two-seat helicopters, the Cicaré 7B and 7BT single-seat and the Cicaré Trainer all using Rotax aircraft engines. The US patented Cicaré trainer is a FAA approved air training device with 10 hours of the FAA rotorcraft pilot requirement being possible using the Cicaré Trainer. Support services include a builder-assist program as well as builder support, rotorcraft maintenance and service bulletins. Training partners to assist owners and buyers in achieving FAA rotorcraft ratings and maintaining rotorcraft currency are listed on the website. Cicarè has over 60 years of history in helicopter design and delivery. The Cicaré S.A. leadership team continues to advance the legacy of Augusto Cicaré and his values of integrity, quality, operability and safety to produce the finest flying helicopters in the world. Cicaré technology has contributed over 1,500 rotorcraft delivered to over 75 countries and their designs have accumulated over 300,000 flying hours.

FMI: www.cicare-usa.com