When considering purchasing a model that is over 20kg you should
ensure that it has a Certificate of Design and Construction. If there is not one
or it is not completed you should check that the model has been registered with
the Over 20kg Scheme. If the seller can not provide any evidence of this a quick
phone call to Tony Hooper is all that is required for him to check his
records. Please be aware that the need for the model to be registered applies to
ALL models over 20kg and not only those belonging
to LMA members.
If you have any doubts about the weight of the model or the seller says that it
is just under 20kg, you are strongly advised to weigh it. If it is over 20kg and
has no associated paperwork you will be breaking the
law if you fly it and it may be difficult to retrospectively inspect
it to make it legal.
Assuming you do purchase the model you will need to apply for a new Certificate
of Design and Construction with your name on it. If you have purchased an
airframe only or intend to change any part of the model, for example, put in a
different engine or change the radio, you may need to have the model
re-inspected before a Certificate of Design and Construction can be issued. Be
especially careful about changing a model weighing just under 20kg as the
changes may take it over 20kg.
Once you have the Certificate of Design and Construction in your name you will
need to apply for an Exemption to Test from the CAA. The procedure from this
point is the same as if you had purchased the model yourself and some detail are
attached here.
It must be clear that you can not operate a model weighing more than 20kg
legally unless you are holding all of the correct paperwork and it is in your
name.
If you sell a model weighing over 20kg it is strongly suggest that you contact
Tony Hooper so that your name can be removed from the register so that if
there is any incident with the model in future you will not be called to
account.
Tony Hooper can be contacted by phone.
This page was last updated on 16/6/04.
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