---
title: "ELA2 aircraft — EASA Definition · Avioverse"
description: "Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX, Regulation (EU) No 965/2012: ‘ELA2 aircraft’ means the following manned European Light Aircraft:"
url: "https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/ela2-aircraft"
---

# ELA2 aircraft

EASA defines “ELA2 aircraft” in 3 regulations, worded for each regulation's scope. The wording below is reproduced verbatim from the EASA Easy Access Rules, with a link to the paragraph it comes from.

> ‘ELA2 aircraft’ means the following manned European Light Aircraft:
>
> (a) an aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 2 000 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft;
>
> (b) a sailplane or powered sailplane of 2 000 kg MTOM or less;
>
> (c) a balloon;
>
> (d) a Very Light Rotorcraft with a MTOM not exceeding 600 kg which is of a simple design, designed to carry not more than two occupants, not powered by turbine and/or rocket engines; restricted to VFR day operations;

Annex I — Definitions for terms used in Annexes II to IX · Air Operations · Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Mar 2026 revision · [Read the article](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/air-ops/definitions/powers-and-recitals#annex-i-definitions-for-terms-used-in-annexes-ii-to-ix)

> ‘ELA2 aircraft’ means the following manned European Light Aircraft:
>
> (i) an aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 2 000 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft;
>
> (ii) a sailplane or powered sailplane of 2 000 kg MTOM or less;
>
> (iii) a balloon;
>
> (iv) a hot air ship;
>
> (v) a gas airship complying with all of the following characteristics:
>
> 3 % maximum static heaviness,
>
> non-vectored thrust (except reverse thrust),
>
> conventional and simple design of structure, control system and ballonet system, and
>
> non-power assisted controls;
>
> (vi) a Very Light Rotorcraft;

Article 2 · Continuing Airworthiness · Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 · Easy Access Rules, 2 Sep 2025 revision · [Read Article 2](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/continuing-airworthiness/cover-regulation/powers-and-recital#article-2)

> “ELA2 aircraft” means the following manned European Light Aircraft:
>
> (i) an aeroplane with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of 2 000 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft;
>
> (ii) a sailplane or powered sailplane of 2 000 kg MTOM or less;
>
> (iii) a balloon;
>
> (iv) a hot air airship;
>
> (v) a gas airship complying with all of the following characteristics:
>
> 3 % maximum static heaviness,
>
> non-vectored thrust (except reverse thrust),
>
> conventional and simple design of structure, control system and ballonet system,
>
> non-power assisted controls;
>
> (vi) a rotorcraft with an MTOM not exceeding 600 kg which is of a simple design, designed to carry not more than two occupants, not powered by turbine and/or rocket engines; restricted to VFR day operations;

Article 1 · Initial Airworthiness and Environmental Protection · Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 · Easy Access Rules, 27 Nov 2025 revision · [Read Article 1](https://avioverse.aero/regulations/easa/initial-airworthiness/cover-regulation/general#article-1)

## Defined in the same article

- [accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/accelerate-stop-distance-available)
- [acceptable means of compliance (AMC)](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptable-means-of-compliance)
- [acceptance checklist](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/acceptance-checklist)
- [adequate aerodrome](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-aerodrome)
- [adequate vertiport](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adequate-vertiport)
- [adult](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/adult)
- [aerodrome operating minima](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aerodrome-operating-minima)
- [aeroplane](https://avioverse.aero/glossary/easa/aeroplane)