§ 23.3 Airplane categories.
(a) The normal category is limited to
airplanes that have a seating configuration,
excluding pilot seats, of nine or
less, a maximum certificated takeoff
weight of 12,500 pounds or less, and intended
for nonacrobatic operation.
Nonacrobatic operation includes:
(1) Any maneuver incident to normal
flying;
(2) Stalls (except whip stalls); and
(3) Lazy eights, chandelles, and steep
turns, in which the angle of bank is not
more than 60 degrees.
(b) The
utility category is limited to
airplanes that have a seating configuration,
excluding pilot seats, of nine or
less, a maximum certificated takeoff
weight of 12,500 pounds or less, and intended
for limited acrobatic operation.
Airplanes certificated in the utility
category may be used in any of the operations
covered under paragraph (a) of
this section and in limited acrobatic
operations. Limited acrobatic operation
includes:
(1) Spins (if approved for the particular
type of airplane); and
(2) Lazy eights, chandelles, and steep
turns, or similar maneuvers, in which
the angle of bank is more than 60 degrees
but not more than 90 degrees.
(c) The acrobatic category is limited
to airplanes that have a seating configuration,
excluding pilot seats, of
nine or less, a maximum certificated
takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less,
and intended for use without restrictions,
other than those shown to be
necessary as a result of required flight
tests.