What happened
As microlight aeroplanes have become more technologically advanced and popular, their operational scope has expanded beyond local use to include cross-border flights. Currently, aircraft such as the Pipistrel Alpha Electro 167 and similar microlight models fall outside the scope of common European civil aviation rules. Because these aircraft are deemed to pose a limited risk to civil aviation safety due to their simple design, they are subject to the individual regulatory controls of member states rather than a unified European framework.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board examined the regulatory landscape governing these aircraft, noting that while the current system relies on national oversight, the increasing complexity of modern microlight designs necessitates a more standardized approach. The investigation focused on the potential safety gaps created by the lack of uniform European requirements for aircraft that are increasingly being operated across international borders.
Findings
The lack of a unified European safety standard for microlight aircraft presents a challenge as the sector grows. While these aircraft are currently managed by individual member states, the evolution of their design and the rise in cross-border operations suggest that the current regulatory boundaries may no longer be sufficient to ensure consistent safety levels across the continent.
Safety action
To address these concerns, the Dutch Safety Board has issued several recommendations to the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management:
- Implement effective oversight to improve the safety of microlight aircraft operating in the Netherlands and protect third parties.
- Establish and implement additional safety requirements for microlight aircraft registered or operating in the Netherlands, while working toward the adoption of these standards within the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC).
- Promote a long-term evaluation and reconsideration of microlight aircraft requirements and oversight by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).