16.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Department must issue for an aircraft registered in the Isle of Man a certificate of airworthiness if it is satisfied that the aircraft is fit to fly having regard to—
(a)the design, construction, workmanship and materials of the aircraft (including in particular any engines fitted in the aircraft), and of any equipment carried in the aircraft that it considers necessary for the airworthiness of the aircraft; and
(b)the results of flying trials and such other tests of the aircraft as it may require.
(2) If the Department has issued a certificate of airworthiness for an aircraft that, in its opinion, is a prototype aircraft or a modification of a prototype aircraft, it may dispense with flying trials in the case of any other aircraft if it is satisfied that the other aircraft conforms to such prototype or modification.
(3) A certificate of airworthiness must —
(a)specify the category “Private”; and
(b)be issued subject to the condition that the aircraft may not be flown except for the purposes (which may not include commercial air transport or aerial work) specified in the certificate.
(4) The Department may issue a certificate of airworthiness subject to such other conditions relating to the airworthiness of the aircraft as it thinks fit.
(5) The Department may issue a certificate of validation.
(6) Nothing in this Order obliges the Department to accept an application for the issue of a certificate of airworthiness or certificate of validation or for the variation or renewal of such a certificate if the application is not supported by a report from a person approved under article 158 as the Department may specify, either generally or in a particular case or class of case.
(7) In this article, a certificate of validation means a certificate rendering valid for the purposes of this Order a certificate of airworthiness issued for an aircraft registered elsewhere than in the Isle of Man under the law of a country other than the Isle of Man.