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Single occupant only for recreation or sport purposes with 5 gallons maximum fuel.
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Unpowered free flight empty weight under 155 pounds or powered weighs under 254 excluding
floats or safety devices.
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55 knots maximum calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight, power-off maximum
stall speed 24 knots calibrated.
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Can be inspected by FAA to make sure it meets criteria as an ultralight.
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Vehicle not required to meet any airworthiness certification standards
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Pilot not required to meet any aeronautical knowledge, age, or experience requirements to
operate or to have airman or medical certificates.
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Not required to be registered or to bear markings of any type.
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No operation is allowed that creates a hazard to other persons or property.
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Only operate between sunrise and sunset unless equipped with a suitable anti collision
light extending flight time to twilight periods 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
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Yield the right-of-way to all aircraft and not create a collision hazard with any aircraft.
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Do not operate an over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open
air assembly of persons.
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All operations are conducted in uncontrolled airspace unless prior authorization from the
ATC facility to operate in within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of
Class E airspace designated for an airport.
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Must comply with flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM) and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TRF).
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No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except by visual reference with the surface.
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Visibility and cloud clearances similar to general aviation airspace. (see www.asa2fly.com
for the specific FAR 103)
Each national organization ultralight training exemption is slightly different. Details are found on
their web site. The two place ultralight trainers organizations follow these guidelines:
The exemptions permit individuals authorized by the national organizations to give instruction in
two place powered ultralight vehicles. These trainers will be phased into Experimental Light Sport
Aircraft (E-LSA) with the final date effecting them is January 31, 2010, where it is the last day you
can use an ultralight trainer converted to a E-LSA for training compensation.
Some significant points for these ultralight trainers under this exemption.
7. What can you do with an
Ultralight?
Average recreational pilots, routinely stay aloft for 3 hours or more, soar to altitudes of 15,000' and travel cross-country for great distances.
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8. Is an ultralight safe?
Some Ultralights have been tested for 6 G-forces positive and 3 G's negative, that's much higher
than most conventional airplanes.
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9. What happens if the engine quits?
It isn't a problem with proper care and training.
Part of your pilot training is to deal with "engine out" appropriately. You are also trained to always have a landing site
within easy gliding distance.
For example, the trike is a powered hang glider designed for gliding with or without power. You can
turn off the engine and still glide safely down to the ground.
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10. Is flying an Ultralight scary?
An Ultralight is an exciting way to fulfill your dream of flight. Even if you have a fear of heights, it will rarely be a factor, since
there is no sensation of falling.
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11. How much does an Ultralight cost?
How long will one last?
A new Ultralight will cost somewhere between $3,000 and $30,000. After four years of fairly active usage and exposure to UV light from the sun, the
sail cloth may be in need of replacement. This of course varies with how you care for your wing. Its easy to
test your sailcloth for strength and thus determine your need to replace your trike wing
long before it becomes unsafe. Most pilots who get into the sport also purchase a two-way
radio system, helmets, instruments for an additional $1000. - $1500. altogether.
Good used equipment is often available for half as much
though it will have a shorter life-span. In addition, because the sport is evolving
rapidly, newer Ultralights can have significantly better performance and behavior
than older ones.
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12. What do you need to know
when purchasing your first Ultralight?
First, you need to know how to fly. No would-be pilot should purchase an Ultralight before learning at least the basics of flying. It is your instructors job to help
you select your first Ultralight. Different aircraft have different characteristics;
your instructor will match the aircraft to your particular interests. Develop a solid
relationship with an instructor you trust before purchasing equipment. "Good
deals" generally end up costing the naive new pilot a great deal of money. Most
instructors rely on referrals and repeat business so they are very determined to help you
make the right decisions. When purchasing equipment, a responsible dealer will always
require some proof of certified rating.
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13. How do you get started?
The best way to start is with a tandem introductory flight. This gives you a taste of
flying. Once you have seen what it is like then you can sign up for tandem lessons until
you're ready to solo. Then once you solo, you build up time and experience to become a
pilot. The basic techniques of ultralight flying -- takeoff, turning, landing -- are
fairly easy to learn. The length of the course is designed to compensate for weather
constraints and different learning curves. You must be 16 years of age.
These videos are perfect introductions and tell you everything about getting into the
sport.
Sport Pilot
Starting Hang Gliding
Starting Paragliding
Starting Powered Paragliding
Starting Powered Parachuting
Starting Triking
Be A Pilot, Learn to Fly a Fixed Wing Aircraft
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14. Do you need a license
to fly?
Ultralights are regulated under the Federal Aviation Regulations Section 103 and
therefore a license is not required to fly an ultralight. So, in essence, triking is
a self-regulated sport under the auspices of the Aero Sports Connection (ASC), the
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the United States Ultralight Association
(USUA).
To keep it self-regulated, pilots and
instructors alike adhere to the policies and guidelines of these
organizations. This program consists of a specific set of flying
skills corresponding to a series of pilot proficiency ratings, each of
which carries a set of recommended operating limitations.
Once the FAA Sport
Pilot proposal is phased in, a simple FAA Sport Pilot airman's
certificate will be required to fly a Light Sport Aircraft. You can
acquire one with a valid driver's license to prove medical fitness,
plus some ground and flight training, a simple written test, and
flight test..
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15. What should I look for
when signing up for a lesson?
When selecting a school for flight instruction, first make sure that the instructors are
certified by one of these organizations:
FAA - Federal Aviation Administration
ASC - Aero Sports Connection
EAA - Experimental Aircraft Association
USHGA - U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Assoc.
USUA - United States Ultralight Association
Things to look for include:
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What ratings do the instructors have? (The highest rating is called Advanced Tandem Instructor.)
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Does the school have airstrips or launch sites to accommodate more than one wind direction and thus more flying days?
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What is the safety record of the school and of the instructors?
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How many students has the school taught, how many of its students receive certification each year?
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Does the school operate full-time to fit your schedule?
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