Utility aircraft
Encyclopedia
A utility aircraft is a general-purpose light plane or helicopter, usually used for transporting people or freight, but also for other duties when a more specialised aircraft is not required or available.
The term can also refer to an aircraft certified
under American, Canadian, European or Australian regulations as a Utility Category Aircraft, which indicates that it is permitted to conduct limited aerobatics
. The approved maneuvers include chandelle
s, lazy eights, spins
and steep turns over 60° of bank.
In the United States, military utility aircraft are given the prefix U in their designations.
The term can also refer to an aircraft certified
Type certificate
A Type Certificate, is awarded by aviation regulating bodies to aerospace manufacturers after it has been established that the particular design of a civil aircraft, engine, or propeller has fulfilled the regulating bodies' current prevailing airworthiness requirements for the safe conduct of...
under American, Canadian, European or Australian regulations as a Utility Category Aircraft, which indicates that it is permitted to conduct limited aerobatics
Aerobatics
Aerobatics is the practice of flying maneuvers involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment and sport...
. The approved maneuvers include chandelle
Chandelle
The chandelle is an aircraft control maneuver where the pilot combines a 180° turn with a climb.It is now required for attaining a commercial flight certificate in many countries...
s, lazy eights, spins
Spin (flight)
In aviation, a spin is an aggravated stall resulting in autorotation about the spin axis wherein the aircraft follows a corkscrew downward path. Spins can be entered intentionally or unintentionally, from any flight attitude and from practically any airspeed—all that is required is sufficient yaw...
and steep turns over 60° of bank.
In the United States, military utility aircraft are given the prefix U in their designations.
See also
- FAR Part 23 (refers to "utility category" in US aviation regulations)
- Utility helicopterUtility helicopterA Utility Helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter. A utility military helicopter can fill roles such as ground attack, air assault, cargo, surveillance and troop transport. Their size is generally between cargo helicopters and light observation helicopters....