Info and Resources

Home

Compare

Shop

Research

Sell

Ultralight Airplane

Ultralight Aviation

thumb|right|250px|Huntair Pathfinder Mark 1 ultralight at an English airshow Ultralight aviation is a category of recreational flying. The aircraft used are small, and comply with limits on design and operation so as to allow for fun, economical operation and minimal regulation. Ultralight aircraft are generally called ''microlight aircraft'' in the UK and New Zealand, and ''ULMs'' in France. Some countries differentiate between weight shift and 3-axis aircraft calling the former ''microlight'' and the latter ''ultralight''. The governing regulation in the United States is FAR 103, and allows single seat aircraft of less than 5 US gallons (19 L) fuel capacity, empty weight of less than 254 pounds (115 kg), a top speed of 55 knots (102 km/h), and a max stall speed (slowest flying speed) not exceeding 24 knots, to fly over unpopulated areas during daylight hours. Many other countries have similar restrictions, however the weight limit is generally higher (544kg), the fuel limit removed, and the aircraft may carry one passenger. The United States has recently introduced Sport Pilot which seeks somewhat to allow these "heavy" ultralights. In the United States no license or training is required by law, but training is highly advisable. In other countries some form of license is typically mandatory, often regulated by one or more delegated pilot's organisations. A common misconception is that ultralight pilots are poorly trained, whereas in reality the quality of ultralight pilots is easily the equal of "traditional" pilots, partly owing to the fact that ultralight pilots often fly more often than general aviation pilots, and partly because many ultralight pilots are also private pilots, and even, sometimes, airline pilots. thumb|right|250px|Cosmik EV-97 Eurostar microlight at an English air show

Types of aircraft

3-Axis Fixed Wing. This has what may be considered a regular airplane configuration - conventional 3 axis control for

More...

Ultralight Airplane