Primary Category Seaplanes

This direct final rule increases the maximum weight limit for seaplanes that are proposed for type certification in the primary category. When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the 2,700-pound maximum weight limit for primary category aircraft, it did not consider seaplanes. Seaplanes generally weigh more than comparable landplanes because of the increased airframe weight and drag associated with their designs. Therefore, the 2,700-pound maximum weight limit for primary category aircraft results in a significantly inferior performance, range, and payload when applied to seaplanes than was originally intended for primary category aircraft. The FAA has determined that a 3,375-pound maximum weight limit would provide seaplanes with a level of utility comparable to primary category landplanes.