Glaiza Joi Gorres Cablay

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

Categories of Aircraft
The article from Aircraft Categories and Classes Explained (2018) defined the different
Aircraft categories as follows:
1. Acrobatic Airplanes – These are airplanes not restricted by flight maneuvers. They have a
maximum of passenger seats and do not weigh more than 12,500 pounds or
approximately 5,700 kilograms. The flexibility of in-flight maneuvers allows these
aircraft to perform aerobatics or special stunts, such as rolls and Loops. They are often
used in air shows.

2. Commuter Airplanes – Airplanes of this category are limited to have 19 or fewer

passengers and weigh no more than 19,000 pounds or 8,618 kilograms. They are multi-
engine and propeller-driven. Pomroy (2016) added that they are typically used for short-
distance travel to and from small airports with short runways.

3. Experimental Airplanes – These aircraft may not have been fully proven in flight, Hence
the name experimental. They may be amateur-built or kit-built aircraft. They are
sometimes unmanned or used for light sport. It is further explained in Experimental
Aircraft (n.d.) that these aircraft are typically used for experimental Aircraft for research
and development, crew training, exhibitions, air racing, or Survrunway

4. Light Sport Aircraft – LSA is how some know this airplane category. It is given a special
airworthiness certificate for operations. Some classify two-seat ultralight-type aircraft,
powered parachutes, antiques, and classics airplanes, the composite aircraft as LSA.
According to an article from EAA Airventure, getting a sport aircraft certificate is half the
time faster and the regular pilot license (Light-Sport Aircraft, n.d.). This convenience
makes recreational flight easier for adventure seekers.

5. Limited Airplanes – Airplanes categorized as limited are either modified or converted

military aircraft, which is currently being used for civilian purposes. These airplanes are
usually military surplus planes. The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has issued an order
to restrict the use of limited airplanes for commercial purposes (Special Airworthiness
Certificate, n.d.).
6. Normal Aircraft – Airplanes categorized as normal airplanes have the same size as
acrobatic planes, that is having a maximum weight of 12,500 pounds and nine or fewer
passenger seats. The difference lies in the fact that they have approval for acrobat
flights. An answer posted in What Is the Difference between Normaland Utility
Categories (n.d.) said that normal aircraft is one of the three other aircraft that is
considered “small.” The other three are aircraft categorized as utility, acrobat, and
commuter.

7. Primary Airplanes – Airplanes in this category are given special airworthiness

certificates. They have to be built in compliance with the production certificate. On the
technical side, they have three or fewer seats and are typically unpressurized, as
explained in What Are the Regulatory Categories of Aircraft Defined by the FAA (n.d.)

8. Restricted Airplanes – Restricted aircraft are used for agriculture and other services such
as surveying, weather control, and forest services. When forest fires happen in countries
like the United States, firefighters use these airplanes to help stop the spread of the
disaster. One answer shared in What Are the Regulatory Categories of Aircraft Defined
by the FAA (n.d.) further explained that restrict airplanes are often modified U.S. Armed
Forces equipment used for special purposes.

9. Transport Airplanes – Transport airplanes are yet another category of airplanes. These
aircraft weigh more than 12,500 pounds and have more than 10 passenger seats. It has
piston-engine, greater than 19 seats and a maximum takeoff weight of more than
19,000 pounds.

10. Utility Airplanes – The last in the aircraft category list are the utility airplanes. These
planes can also be used for aerobatics. These aircraft have a maximum of nine
passengers plus pilot seats. The takeoff weight should not be more than 12,500 pounds.
Both Federal Aviation Regulations (n.d.) and What Are the Regulatory Categories of
Aircraft Defined by the FAA (n.d.) stated utility aircraft maneuvers include spins, lazy
eights, chandelles, and steep turns. This is of great use for air show aerobatics.
 Airline Codes for PH International Airlines

International Airport in Philippines and Domestic

IATA CODES
Commercial Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport MNL
Clark International Airport CRK
Iloilo International Airport ILO
Mactan- Cebu International Airport CEB
Francisco Bangoy International Airport DVO
Zamboanga International Airport ZAM
Kalibo International Airport KLO
Laguindingan International Airport CGY
Bacolod Silay International Airport BCD
General Santos International Airport GES
Laoag International Airport LAO
Puerto Princessa International Airport PPS
Bicol International Airport TRB
Legazpi Airport LGP
Bohol- Panglao International Airport TAG
Jomalig Airport
Wao Airport
Sicogon Island Airport ICO
Cagayan North International Airport LCC
Tuguegarao Airport TUG
Cotabato Airport CBO
Dipolog Airport DPL
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport TAC
Dumaguete–Sibulan Airport DGT
Evelio Javier Airport EUQ
Francisco B. Reyes Airport USU
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport MPH
Labo Airport OZC
Virac Airport VRC
Sanga-Sanga Airport TWT
Marinduque Airport MRQ
Sayak Airport IAO