Utility aircraft

Antonov An-2, a widely-used utility aircraft
Pilatus PC-12 utility turboprop aircraft

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.

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.

  1. ^ Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 535. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2
  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.
  3. ^ Transport Canada (July 2011). "Part V - Airworthiness Manual Chapter 523 - Normal, Utility, Aerobatic And Commuter Category Aeroplanes". Retrieved 15 July 2011.