EASA CS-23 Paperwork Given to FAA for LSA Evaluation

The Flight Design F2 has completed the first step in its certification process with the FAA with the recent submission of the aircraft's validation request from the EASA. 

The FAA Small aircraft standards branch in Kansas City, Kansas will determine whether the design of the F2 in its Euro trim conforms to FAA standards. It obtained CS-23 approval from the EASA, leading Flight Design to believe that there should be nothing standing in the way of a nearly turnkey American certification. The F2 is the newest aircraft released by Flight Design, incorporating a full composite airframe, specially designed, tractable aerodynamics, and a suite of lightweight safety accouterments. The FS is designed for as much passive stall and spin resistance as possible, bolstered by a ballistic airframe parachute, panel mounted airbags, and a full suite of touchscreen G3X glass panels. Flight Design hopes to see the F2 build a name for itself as a high-tech trainer plane within reach for flight schools and leisure fliers alike. An IFR-approved version is in the works, eventually to be sold alongside the day/night VFR F2-LSA. 

The F2 was certified by EASA as a CS-23 aircraft towards the end of 2021, roughly equivalent to FAA Part 23 standards used for general aviation aircraft in the US. The recent updates and rewrites to both standards has led to a greater degree of harmony across the pond, allowing for a more affordable, streamlined certification process that should ultimately bring greater competition and selection to the US domestic market.

Tom Peghiny, the American importer for the Flight Design F2 and one of the prime movers and shakers in bringing it to stateside buyers, described the validation request as " an important first step in bringing the F2 CS-23 to the USA. We expect the certified version of the F2 to be even more popular than the S-LSA version, which was accepted by the FAA in June 2021." 

FMI: www.flightdesign.com