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Faizan
Freedom and exhilaration define the experience of flying an ultralight aircraft. Hang gliders, foot launched paragliders, powered paragliders, powered parachutes, three-axis controlled aircraft and trikes, a type of powered hang glider, are recognized ultralights and intended for recreational flight. Though the industry is self-regulated with lenient rules of operation, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates national airspace and places ultralight guidelines under Federal Aviation Regulation FAR Part 103.
Meeting Ultralight Criteria
To qualify as an ultralight, the aircraft must be a one-seater with fuel capacity not exceeding five gallons. Powered ultralights are permitted a maximum empty weight of 254 pounds, excluding floats and safety devices. Unpowered ultralights are allowed a maximum weight of 155 pounds. Full power speed must be lower than 55 knots and power off stall speed should not be more than 24 knots. An ultralights does not have to pass tests or standards for airworthiness, but may undergo FAA inspection to ensure that it meets ultralight criteria. They do not have to be registered or bear any markings.
Pilot Qualifications
Ultralight pilots do not have to meet requirements for age or aeronautical experience, nor are they required to hold airman and medical certificates. Though manning an ultralight has few restrictions, flight schools offer and recommend lessons. Ultralight instructors should be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Aero Sports Connection (ASC), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHGA) or the United States Ultralight Association (USUA).
Flight Times
Unless an ultralight is equipped with an anti-collision light, it can only be operated between sunrise and sunset. If equipped with the light, flight allowance is extended to twilight times, defined as 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
Flight Areas
Ultralights cannot fly above open air assemblies of people or congested areas of a town, city or settlement. Flight must occur in uncontrolled airspace unless given prior authorization to fly within Class A, B, C or D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. Authorization is given by the air traffic control tower with jurisdiction over the area the pilot is requesting access to. Ultralights are barred from flying over airport control zones, traffic areas, terminal control areas and radar service areas. It is mandatory that ultralight pilots adhere to restrictions when in the proximity of areas under advisories. Advisories are identified as Notice to Airmen (NTA), which informs pilots of hazards en route to certain locations, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) that place air restrictions on specific areas for a limited time.
Visibility and Clearance
Ultralights can only be flown by visual reference with the surface. When operating outside of unrestricted airspace, they are subject to visibility and cloud clearance regulations. Visibility requirements range from one to five miles and cloud clearance from 500 to 2000 feet depending on airspace. Regulations can be obtained from the residing air traffic control facility or by consulting FAR Part 103.
Right of Sky
Ultralights often stay airborne for three or more hours. Some climb to altitudes of 15,000 feet and are able to cover a lot of cross country airspace. They must always yield the right-of-way to other aircraft, and powered ultralights are to extend the courtesy to unpowered ultralights. They are to avoid causing collision hazards for people and property, including dropping objects if it would create a dangerous condition.
Meeting Ultralight Criteria
To qualify as an ultralight, the aircraft must be a one-seater with fuel capacity not exceeding five gallons. Powered ultralights are permitted a maximum empty weight of 254 pounds, excluding floats and safety devices. Unpowered ultralights are allowed a maximum weight of 155 pounds. Full power speed must be lower than 55 knots and power off stall speed should not be more than 24 knots. An ultralights does not have to pass tests or standards for airworthiness, but may undergo FAA inspection to ensure that it meets ultralight criteria. They do not have to be registered or bear any markings.
Pilot Qualifications
Ultralight pilots do not have to meet requirements for age or aeronautical experience, nor are they required to hold airman and medical certificates. Though manning an ultralight has few restrictions, flight schools offer and recommend lessons. Ultralight instructors should be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Aero Sports Connection (ASC), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHGA) or the United States Ultralight Association (USUA).
Flight Times
Unless an ultralight is equipped with an anti-collision light, it can only be operated between sunrise and sunset. If equipped with the light, flight allowance is extended to twilight times, defined as 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
Flight Areas
Ultralights cannot fly above open air assemblies of people or congested areas of a town, city or settlement. Flight must occur in uncontrolled airspace unless given prior authorization to fly within Class A, B, C or D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. Authorization is given by the air traffic control tower with jurisdiction over the area the pilot is requesting access to. Ultralights are barred from flying over airport control zones, traffic areas, terminal control areas and radar service areas. It is mandatory that ultralight pilots adhere to restrictions when in the proximity of areas under advisories. Advisories are identified as Notice to Airmen (NTA), which informs pilots of hazards en route to certain locations, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) that place air restrictions on specific areas for a limited time.
Visibility and Clearance
Ultralights can only be flown by visual reference with the surface. When operating outside of unrestricted airspace, they are subject to visibility and cloud clearance regulations. Visibility requirements range from one to five miles and cloud clearance from 500 to 2000 feet depending on airspace. Regulations can be obtained from the residing air traffic control facility or by consulting FAR Part 103.
Right of Sky
Ultralights often stay airborne for three or more hours. Some climb to altitudes of 15,000 feet and are able to cover a lot of cross country airspace. They must always yield the right-of-way to other aircraft, and powered ultralights are to extend the courtesy to unpowered ultralights. They are to avoid causing collision hazards for people and property, including dropping objects if it would create a dangerous condition.
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