pilotweb.aero | Pilot June 2018 | 77Advertising Feature
even a well-used two seater,
to more than £100,000 for a
modern state-of-the-art tourer.
If you question how the latter
price qualifies as cost-effective
flying, just bear in mind that to
purchase similar performance
and capability in the certificated
world, you’d be paying more than
twice that price!
‘From a buyer’s perspective,
one of the major differences
between operating a C of A
aircraft and an LAA Permit
type is that for a C of A type the
responsibility for maintenance
and airworthiness oversight is
vested by the owner in approved
and CAA-audited engineering
facilities, with minimal owner
input other than writing the
cheques. Within the LAA ‘system’
every owner takes on that
responsibility; each year you’ll
have a Permit Renewal inspection
with an LAA Inspector checking
to ensure the aircraft has been
properly serviced and maintained.
It is simpler, lighter touch and
more cost-effective, oversight.‘If you’re looking at a Permit
aircraft it makes good sense to
take along an LAA Inspector
(a list can be found on the
LAA website) who has some
experience with the aircraft type
or construction method (wood,
aluminium, composite, etc.).
Just as with a second-hand
car, there are pitfalls. Don’t
be fooled by a pretty paint
scheme, use your knowledge
and the Inspector’s, to ensure
that the beauty is more than
skin-deep.‘The good news is that thanks
to their owners’ commitment
to maintenance, the LAA’s
inspection processes and an
overall pride in ownership,
the majority of Permit aircraft
are as well looked after, if not
better than their certificated
equivalents. There’s also the
attraction of likely flying an
aircraft that’s lighter and with
better control responses than
its certificated equivalent. After
all, which would you rather drive,
a Mondeo or a Caterham Seven?’A dealer will be able to offer a wide choice of aircraft: here is a selection of the singles, twins and rotary-wing machinery available from AT