EASA CS-23

EASA CS-23 is the European Union Aviation Safety Agency Certification Specification for Normal, Utility, Aerobatic and Commuter Aeroplanes.

Description

This certification procedure applies to light aircraft:

Aeroplanes in the normal, utility, or aerobatic categories with a maximum of 9 seats and a maximum take-off mass of 5,670 kg ;
Aeroplanes in the commuter category with a maximum of 19 seats and a maximum take-off mass of 8,618 kg.

Depending on the chosen category, CS-23 prescribes several maneuvers :

Normal Category: Normal flight, no aerobatics; stalls as well as chandelles, lazy eights, and steep turns with a maximum bank angle of 60°;
Utility Category: As Normal Category, but with bank angles up to 90°; additionally spins, if approved by the manufacturer;
Aerobatic Category: No limitations imposed by the certification regulation;
Commuter Category: Normal flight, stalls, and steep turns with bank angles up to 60°.

Aircraft not certified in the commuter category can be certified for multiple categories.
It describes the minimum requirements that must be met for the certification of an aircraft in this class. If the manufacturer of the aircraft has sufficiently demonstrated all points, the certification authority issues a type certificate.
Certification Specifications are "soft law", which is not legally binding. Manufacturers may apply for exemptions from CS-23 where necessary.