Normal Category: applies to aircraft which are intended for non-acrobatic operation, having a seating configuration (excluding pilot seats) of nine seats or less, and a MTOW of 5700 kg or less.

Non-acrobatic operation includes:
(i) any manoeuvre incidental to normal flying;
(ii) stalls, other than flick stalls;
(iii) lazy eights, chandelles and steep turns, in which the angle of bank does not exceed 60°.

Utility Category: applies to aeroplanes, gliders and powered sailplanes which can be used for limited acrobatic operations, having a seating configuration (excluding pilot seats) of nine seats or less, and an MTOW of 5700 kg or less. Utility category aircraft can be considered as normal category “plus” aircraft, and can thus, for example, provide more operational flexibility as a basic training aircraft.

Limited acrobatic operation includes:
(i) spins (if approved for the particular type);
(ii) lazy eights, chandelles, and steep turns, or similar manoeuvres, in which the angle of bank is more than 60°, but not more than 90°.

Aerobatic Category: applies to aeroplanes, gliders and powered sailplanes which can be used for acrobatic operations, having a seating configuration (excluding pilot seats) of nine seats or less, and a MTOW of 5700 kg or less. Acrobatic aircraft can be flown without restrictions, other than those shown to be necessary as a result of certification flight testing.