Calculation and tests for Shark CS-LSA type certification and preliminary design for CS-VLA certification

The purpose of this work was to calculate and to test different aircraft components according to the CS-LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) airworthiness for Shark s.r.o. Shark was designed to fit into European ultralight category and it was approved according to the UL-2 Czech Republic requirement of Light Aircraft Association and LTF-UL German requirement for “Sport Flying Vehicles”. In the design phase were considered also the ASTM standards for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) valid in USA and accepted by European regulation CS-LSA. The maximum take-off weight will be increased from 472.5 kg up to 600 kg. Most of the tests needed for proof and approval were performed for calculated load according to ASTM standards, but some only up to limited load corresponding to maximum take-off weight equal to 472.5 kg. The goal of the project was to go through the Shark s.r.o documents and to check the compliancy with CS-LSA regulation. The center of gravity position was calculated starting from the prototype and new flight envelope was designed for calculation of the limit load afterwards. New tests were realized on the flaps, fixing points of the ballistic rescue system and on the landing gear. The tests were performed in Shark aero facility in Senica (Slovakia) under the supervision of Eng. Vladimír Pekár. The data collected during multiple tests were used for preliminary design of Mako - new aerobatic aircraft for pilot training.