Normal and Utility Category

The normal category is limited to airplanes that have a seating configuration, excluding pilot seats, of nine or less, a maximum certified takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less, and intended for non-acrobatic operation. Non-acrobatic operation includes:

• Any maneuver incident to normal flying
• Stalls (except whip stalls)
• Lazy eights, chandelles, and steep turns, in which the angle of bank is not more than 60 degrees

The utility category is limited to airplanes that have a seating configuration, excluding pilot seats, of nine or less, a maximum certified takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less, and intended for limited acrobatic operation. Airplanes certified in the utility category may be used in any of the operations covered above and in limited acrobatic operations. Limited acrobatic operation includes:

• Spins (if approved for the particular type of airplane)
• Lazy eights, chandelles, and steep turns, or similar maneuvers, in which the angle of bank is more than 60 degrees but not more than 90 degrees