How is the fees and charges category determined for post-TC applications?
For all post-TC design applications the applicable F&C category is based on the type level and corresponds to that category in which more or equal to 50% of the models are within a given type.
This change was introduced by the EASA F&C regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) 319/2014) of April 2014 and changed the applicable rule that was previously in force according to which the highest weight category was applicable, even though it might have been only connected to one of the models.
In accordance with PART V/Explanatory Note (7) of EASA F&C regulation Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2153, “the applicable fee category per application shall be determined by the fee category assigned to the related type design. Where multiple models are certified under one type design, the fee category of the majority of these models is applicable. In case of an even distribution of fee category, the higher fee category applies. For applications relating to several type designs (AML), the highest fee category is applicable.”
Why is my small rotorcraft charged as medium rotorcraft under F&C?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2153 establishes the EASA Fees and Charges and defines in Part V point (2) the following categories of Rotorcraft Products for this purpose (only):
- VTOL Large Aircraft refers to CS 29 and CS 27 cat A aircraft;
- VTOL Small Aircraft refers to CS-27 aircraft with maximum take-off weight (MTOW) below 3 175 kg and limited to 4 seats, including pilot;
- VTOL Medium Aircraft refers to other CS-27 aircraft.
According to EASA TCDS R.008, the AS350 rotorcraft is a CS27 rotorcraft with MTOW below 3 175kg and a seating capacity of 6, including the pilot. Hence it must be classified as Medium Rotorcraft as per the above definition.
According to EASA TCDS R.146, the AS355 rotorcraft is a CS27 rotorcraft with MTOW below 3 175kg and a seating capacity of 6 (or 7, if an optional two-place seat is installed), including the pilot. Hence it shall be classified as Medium Rotorcraft as per the above definition.
View the applicable Fees and Charges category for each product.
See in particular the EASA Product List – Rotorcraft.