IAR-46 JAR-VLA International Certification 2000-01-1698

The Romanian light aircraft manufacturer IAR Brasov, recently finalised the development of the project of a very light aircraft designed to meet the requirements of the domestic and foreign leisure flying market.

The IAR-46 VLA is a two-seat utility category vehicle ,featuring an all-metal structure appearing as a reliable performer suitable for school, training and leisure purposes. The bedrock of the IAR-46 conception was the already existing IS-28M2 motor glider, the latest evolution of the IS-28 series of gliders which had been certified in Romania as well as in several other countries and sold in large numbers to foreign customers. In support of their hope to renew the success they had with the IS family of gliders and motor gliders in France, Germany, UK, USA, Canada, China etc., the Romanian manufacturer IAR Brasov applied for certification of their IAR-46 with the Romanian CAA (under JAA procedures) and the Federal Aviation Administration.

This paper focuses on the simultaneous certification of the new IAR design by the Romanian CAA and the FAA, as an illustration of the general tendencies in the international aircraft certification field. In that context, we have outlined some of the differences between the European and the American certification procedures and acceptance criteria.

Judging on their previous success in the field, IAR started in the early 90's the design and prototype manufacture of the IAR-46 very light aircraft, which has been based on the platform of the IS-28M2 motor glider. It features an all metal airframe with low cantilever wing, a “T” tail, semi-retractable conventional landing gear and an unpressurized cockpit with 2 seats abreast. IAR-46 has a maximum weight of 1653 lbs. (750 kg) and is powered by a single ROTAX 912 reciprocating engine. The aircraft has a HOFFMANN two-blade, variable pitch propeller.