A utility aircraft is a general-purpose light airplane or helicopter, usually used for transporting people, freight, or other supplies, but also used for other duties when more specialized aircraft are not required or available.
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The term can also refer to an aircraft type certificated under American, Canadian, European, or Australian regulations as a Utility Category Aircraft, which indicates that it is permitted to conduct limited aerobatics. The approved maneuvers include chandelles, lazy eights, spins, and steep turns over 60° of bank.[1][2][3]
In the United States, military utility aircraft are given the prefix U in their designations.
See also
edit- FAR Part 23 (refers to "utility category" in United States aviation regulations)
- List of United States Tri-Service aircraft designations § U: Utility
- Utility helicopter
- Angel Flight
References
edit- ^ Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 535. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Title 14: Aeronautics and Space PART 23 — Airworthiness Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes, Subpart A — General". Retrieved 15 July 2011.
- ^ Transport Canada (July 2011). "Part V - Airworthiness Manual Chapter 523 - Normal, Utility, Aerobatic And Commuter Category Aeroplanes". Retrieved 15 July 2011.