Small Airplanes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "small airplane?"
14 CFR Part 1 defines a "small aircraft" as an aircraft of 12,500 lbs or less maximum certificated take-off weight. Therefore, any airplane, including transport category airplanes, could be considered "small" by the Part 1 definition if the airplane is less than 12,500 lbs.
However, as commonly used, and in the most basic sense, small airplanes have generally been considered fixed wing aircraft that are not transport category airplanes (that is, fixed wing airplanes type certificated to standards other than 14 CFR Part 25 ). Therefore, for the purposes of this site, small airplanes are fixed wing airplanes that are not transport category. Depending on the category, small airplanes can reach up to 19,000 lbs maximum takeoff weight.
Is a small airplane the same as a General Aviation aircraft?
No. General aviation aircraft are aircraft operated under 14 CFR Part 91 rules, which could be any category of airplane, including transport category and rotorcraft. Additionally, airplanes operated under 14 CFR Part 121 and 14 CFR Part 135, which may include small airplanes, are not considered General
Aviation aircraft when operated under these rules.
My airplane meets 14 CFR Part 25 (transport category) requirements. Does this mean I can assume it will meet small airplane ( 14 CFR Part 23 ) requirements?
No. The applicable design standards are based upon the type and operation
of the airplane. For example, differences in items such as pilot training
and minimum aircrew requirements may result in more stringent flight deck design
standards in Part 23 airplanes than Part 25. Therefore, the applicable
requirements for each category of airplane should be reviewed separately.
