Ultralight aviation
Encyclopedia
The term "ultralight aviation" refers to light-weight, 1- or 2-person airplanes., also called microlight aircraft in the UK, India and New Zealand
. Some countries differentiate between weight shift and 3-axis aircraft, calling the former "microlight" and the latter "ultralight".
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, mostly stimulated by the hang gliding movement, many people sought affordable powered flying. As a result, many aviation authorities set up definitions of lightweight, slow-flying aeroplanes that could be subject to minimum regulations. The resulting aeroplanes are commonly called "ultralight" or "microlight", although the weight and speed limits differ from country to country. In Europe the sporting (FAI) definition limits weight to 450 kg (992 lb) and stall speed to 65 km/h (40 mph). Such a definition forces the aircraft to be capable of a slow landing speed and short landing roll in the event of an engine failure.
There is also an allowance of a further 10% on Maximum Take Off Weight for seaplanes and amphibians
, and some countries (such as Germany
, Poland
and France
) also allow another 5% for installation of a ballistic parachute
.
The safety regulations used to approve microlights vary between countries, the strictest being in the United Kingdom
, Italy
, Sweden
and Germany
, while they are almost non-existent in France
and the United States
. The disparity between regulations can be a barrier to international trade
and overflight in strict regions, as is the fact that these regulations are invariably sub-ICAO, which means that they are not internationally recognised.
In most affluent countries, microlights or ultralights now account for a significant portion of the civil aircraft fleet. For instance in Canada
in October 2010, the ultralight fleet made up 19% of the total civil aircraft registered. In other countries that do not register ultralights, like the United States
, it is unknown what proportion of the total fleet they make up.
In countries where there is no specific extra regulation, ultralights are considered regular aircraft and subject to certification requirements for both aircraft and pilot.
Recreational Aircraft fall under many categories, but the most common category imposes:
A new certification category for Light Sport Aircraft came into effect on 7 January 2006. This category does not replace the previous categories, but creates a new category with the following characteristics:
In either of the above categories, there are distinctions between factory manufactured and home built aircraft.
In Australia
, microlight aircraft are defined as one or two seat weight-shift aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg (992 lb), as set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
. In Australia microlights are also referred to as trikes and are distinguished from three-axis aircraft, of which the smallest are known as ultralights.
In Australia, microlight aircraft and their pilots can either be registered with the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA) or Recreational Aviation Australia
(RA Aus). In all cases, except for privately built single-place ultralight aeroplanes, microlight aircraft or trikes are regulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations.
define two types of ultralight aeroplanes: basic ultra-light aeroplanes (BULA), and advanced ultra-light aeroplanes (AULA). The US light sport aircraft is similar to, and was based upon, the Canadian AULA. AULAs may operate at a controlled airport without prior arrangement. Operating either class of ultralight in Canada requires an Ultralight Pilot Permit which requires both ground school, dual and solo supervised flights. The ultralight may be operated from land or water, but may only carry a passenger if the pilot has an Ultralight Aeroplane Passenger Carrying Rating and the aircraft is an AULA.
document JAR-1 is an aeroplane having no more than two seats, maximum stall speed (VS0
) of 35 knots (65 km/h) CAS, and a maximum take-off mass
of no more than: for a landplane, single seater; or for a landplane, two-seater; or for an amphibian or floatplane, single seater; or for an amphibian or floatplane, two-seater, provided that a microlight capable of operating as both a floatplane and a landplane falls below both MTOM limits, as appropriate.
Foot-launched aircraft are excluded from this definition.
Indian ultralights require aircraft registration, periodic condition inspections and a current permit to fly which has to be renewed annually.
NZ Class 1
NZ Class 2
An aircraft that does not possess an aircraft type certificate issued by any country/state. It is, of simple design and constriction, either a homebuilt or a kit built variety and for recreational and sport use, day VFR condition only.
A class of non-type certificated aircraft is applicable to all classifications, including powered parachutes, gyrocopter, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
A microlight must also have either a wing loading at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 25 kg per square metre or a stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 kn (69 km/h) calibrated speed. All UK registered aeroplanes (3-axis or flex-wing) falling within these parameters are Microlight aircraft.
A sub-category of microlights (SSDR) was introduced which allows owners more freedom to modify and experiment with their aircraft. Single Seat De-Regulated microlights must weigh less than 115 kg (254 lb) without fuel and pilot and the wing loading must not be more than 10 kg per sq m. There is no airworthiness requirement or annual inspection regime for SSDR microlights although pilots who fly them must have a normal microlight licence, and must observe the rules of the air.
A license is required to fly a microlight in the UK.
's definition of an ultralight is significantly different from that in most other countries and can lead to some confusion when discussing the topic. The governing regulation in the United States
is FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles, which specifies a powered "ultralight" as a single seat vehicle 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 or 64 mph), and a maximum stall speed not exceeding 24 knots (45 km/h or 27.6 mph). Restrictions include flying only during daylight hours and over unpopulated areas. Unpowered "ultralights" (hang gliders
, paragliders
, etc.) are limited to a weight of 155 lb (70 kg) with extra weight allowed for amphibious landing gear and ballistic parachute systems.
In 2004 the FAA introduced the "Light-sport aircraft
" category, which resembles some other countries' microlight categories.
In the United States no license or training is required by law for ultralights, but training is highly advisable. For light-sport aircraft a sport pilot certificate is required.
Ultralight aviation is represented by the United States Ultralight Association (USUA
), which acts the US aeroclub representative to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
.
Demoiselle), there have been three generations of modern, fixed-wing ultralight aircraft designs, which are generally classed by the type of structure.
The first generation of modern ultralights were actually hang gliders with small engines added to them, to create powered hang glider
s. The wings on these were flexible, braced by wires, and steered by shifting the pilot's weight under the wing.
The second generation ultralights began to arrive in the mid-1970s. These were designed as powered aircraft, but still used wire bracing and usually single-surface wings. Most of these have "2-Axis" control systems, operated by stick or yoke, which control the elevators (pitch) and the rudder (yaw) -- there are no ailerons, so may be no direct control of banking (roll). A few 2-Axis designs use spoilers
on the top of the wings, and pedals for rudder control. Examples of 2-Axis ultralights are the "Pterodactyl" and the "Quicksilver MX".
The third generation ultralights, arriving in the early 1980s, have strut-braced wings and airframe structure. Nearly all use 3-Axis control systems, as used on standard airplanes, and these are the most popular. Third generation designs include the CGS Hawk
, Kolb Ultrastar
and Quad City Challenger
.
There are several types of aircraft which qualify as ultralights, but which do not have fixed-wing designs. These include:
. In many ways ultralights are a good application for electric power as some models are capable of flying with low power, which allows longer duration flights on battery power.
In 2007 ElectraFlyer
began offering engine kits to convert ultralight weight shift trikes to electric power. The 18 hp
motor weighs 26 lb (11.8 kg) and an efficiency of 90% is claimed by designer Randall Fishman. The battery consists of a lithium-polymer battery pack of 5.6kwh which provides 1.5 hours of flying in the trike application. The power system for a trike costs USD
$8285. to $11285. The company claims a flight recharge cost of 60 cents.
As designs matured, pilot error was shown to be the cause of the vast majority of incidents involving ultralights. As a result, most countries now require an Ultralight Pilot's license/certificate, often regulated by one or more officially-delegated pilots' organizations. The United States does not require any training for ultralight pilots; however, experienced ultralighters are nearly unanimous in recommending that no one solo before receiving dual training. Instruction may be given in two-place light-sport
versions of the ultralight. An instructor must be certified by the FAA to give dual instruction in a light-sport aircraft
.
The build quality and airworthiness of ultralight aircraft (and homebuilt
light-sport aircraft in the USA) can now equal that of Certified light aircraft. Some types satisfy both sets of requirements and are available for registration to either Ultralight or Certified status. When registered as an ultralight (or Experimental
), the pilot is permitted to do more of the simple maintenance tasks, resulting in a lower cost of operation, although this comes at the cost of restrictions such as avoiding densely populated urban areas, bad weather, or night. Many older pilots are willing to trade these operational restrictions for a lower drain on their retirement incomes, and as a result many ultralights are now flown by experienced General Aviation
(GA) pilots or ex-commercial pilots. One other reason for this increase in acceptance is that any pilot is "only one medical away from being an ultralight pilot" -- a reference to the requirement that most other pilots must pass periodic physical examinations, but not to fly ultralights.
However, ultralights are rapidly transforming into high performance aircraft, capable of very respectable speed and range. In recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of General Aviation
pilots flying high performance ultralights due to the cost benefits.
These aircraft are now often referred to as recreational aircraft.
A rapidly growing area of the class is scale-replica "warbirds", such as the offerings from Titan Aircraft
and Loehle Aircraft
.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. Some countries differentiate between weight shift and 3-axis aircraft, calling the former "microlight" and the latter "ultralight".
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, mostly stimulated by the hang gliding movement, many people sought affordable powered flying. As a result, many aviation authorities set up definitions of lightweight, slow-flying aeroplanes that could be subject to minimum regulations. The resulting aeroplanes are commonly called "ultralight" or "microlight", although the weight and speed limits differ from country to country. In Europe the sporting (FAI) definition limits weight to 450 kg (992 lb) and stall speed to 65 km/h (40 mph). Such a definition forces the aircraft to be capable of a slow landing speed and short landing roll in the event of an engine failure.
There is also an allowance of a further 10% on Maximum Take Off Weight for seaplanes and amphibians
Amphibious aircraft
An amphibious aircraft or amphibian is an aircraft that can take off and land on either land or water. Fixed-wing amphibious aircraft are seaplanes that are equipped with retractable wheels, at the expense of extra weight and complexity, plus diminished range and fuel economy compared to planes...
, and some countries (such as Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
) also allow another 5% for installation of a ballistic parachute
Ballistic parachute
A ballistic parachute, ballistic reserve parachute, or emergency ballistic reserve parachute is a parachute ejected from the casing via a small explosion*, much like that used in an ejection seat. *Also there are slug fired systems, mortar fired systems, , & A.I.R. rocket systems...
.
The safety regulations used to approve microlights vary between countries, the strictest being in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
and Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, while they are almost non-existent in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The disparity between regulations can be a barrier to international trade
International trade
International trade is the exchange of capital, goods, and services across international borders or territories. In most countries, such trade represents a significant share of gross domestic product...
and overflight in strict regions, as is the fact that these regulations are invariably sub-ICAO, which means that they are not internationally recognised.
In most affluent countries, microlights or ultralights now account for a significant portion of the civil aircraft fleet. For instance in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in October 2010, the ultralight fleet made up 19% of the total civil aircraft registered. In other countries that do not register ultralights, like the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, it is unknown what proportion of the total fleet they make up.
In countries where there is no specific extra regulation, ultralights are considered regular aircraft and subject to certification requirements for both aircraft and pilot.
Definitions
Australia
In AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
Recreational Aircraft fall under many categories, but the most common category imposes:
- a maximum take off weight (MTOW) of 544 kg (1,199 lb) or less (614 kg (1,354 lb) for a seaplane);
- a stalling speed under 45 knots in landing configuration and
- a maximum of two seats.
A new certification category for Light Sport Aircraft came into effect on 7 January 2006. This category does not replace the previous categories, but creates a new category with the following characteristics:
- A maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg (1,323 lb) or 650 kg (1,433 lb) for an aircraft intended and configured for operation on water or 560 kg (1,235 lb) for a lighter-than-air aircraft.
- A maximum stall speed in the landing configuration (Vso) of 45 kn (88 km/h) CAS.
- Maximum of two occupants, including the pilot.
- A fixed landing gear. A glider may have retractable landing gear. (For an aircraft intended for operation on water, a fixed or repositionable landing gear)
- A single, non-turbine engine fitted with a propeller.
- A non-pressurised cabin.
- If the aircraft is a glider a maximum never exceed speed (Vne) of 135 kn (265 km/h) CAS
In either of the above categories, there are distinctions between factory manufactured and home built aircraft.
In Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, microlight aircraft are defined as one or two seat weight-shift aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg (992 lb), as set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is the Australian national aviation authority , the government statutory authority responsible for the regulation of civil aviation.-History:...
. In Australia microlights are also referred to as trikes and are distinguished from three-axis aircraft, of which the smallest are known as ultralights.
In Australia, microlight aircraft and their pilots can either be registered with the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA) or Recreational Aviation Australia
Recreational Aviation Australia
Recreational Aviation Australia , formerly known as the Australian Ultralight Federation , is the governing body for ultralights in Australia....
(RA Aus). In all cases, except for privately built single-place ultralight aeroplanes, microlight aircraft or trikes are regulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations.
Brazil
The Brazilian Aviation Regulation (RBHA 103A) defines an ultralight plane as: a very light manned experimental aircraft used mainly, or intended for, sports or recreation, during daylight, in visual conditions, with a maximum capacity of 2 people and with the following characteristics:- Single internal combustion engine and one propeller;
- Maximum take-off weight equal or less than 750 kg (1,653 lb); and
- Calibrated stall speed (CAS), power off, in landing configuration (Vso) equal or less than 45 kn (88 km/h).
Canada
The Canadian Aviation RegulationsCanadian Aviation Regulations
The Canadian Aviation Regulations are the rules that govern civil aviation in Canada.-Establishment:The CARs became law on October 10, 1996 replacing the former Air Regulations and Air Navigation Orders. The authority for the establishment of the CARs is the Aeronautics Act...
define two types of ultralight aeroplanes: basic ultra-light aeroplanes (BULA), and advanced ultra-light aeroplanes (AULA). The US light sport aircraft is similar to, and was based upon, the Canadian AULA. AULAs may operate at a controlled airport without prior arrangement. Operating either class of ultralight in Canada requires an Ultralight Pilot Permit which requires both ground school, dual and solo supervised flights. The ultralight may be operated from land or water, but may only carry a passenger if the pilot has an Ultralight Aeroplane Passenger Carrying Rating and the aircraft is an AULA.
Europe
The definition of a microlight according to the Joint Aviation AuthoritiesJoint Aviation Authorities
The Joint Aviation Authorities, or JAA, was an associated body of the ECAC representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of European States who had agreed to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures...
document JAR-1 is an aeroplane having no more than two seats, maximum stall speed (VS0
V speeds
In aviation, V-speeds are standard terms used to define airspeeds important or useful to the operation of all aircraft including fixed-wing aircraft, gliders, autogiros, helicopters, and dirigibles...
) of 35 knots (65 km/h) CAS, and a maximum take-off mass
Maximum Take-Off Weight
The Maximum Takeoff Weight or Maximum Takeoff Mass of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is Gross Lift-Off Mass, or GLOW...
of no more than: for a landplane, single seater; or for a landplane, two-seater; or for an amphibian or floatplane, single seater; or for an amphibian or floatplane, two-seater, provided that a microlight capable of operating as both a floatplane and a landplane falls below both MTOM limits, as appropriate.
Foot-launched aircraft are excluded from this definition.
India
In India a microlight is an aircraft that has the following characteristics:- two seater aircraft having an all up weight of not more than 450 kg (992 lb) without parachute and 472 kg (1,041 lb) with parachute
- a stall speed of less than 80 km/h (41 kn)
- a maximum level speed of less than 220 km/h (112 kn)
- 1 or 2 seats
- a single engine, reciprocating, rotary or diesel
- a fixed or ground adjustable propeller
- un-pressurized cabin
- wing area more than 10 square metres
- a fixed landing gear, except for operation on water or as a glider
Indian ultralights require aircraft registration, periodic condition inspections and a current permit to fly which has to be renewed annually.
Italy
In Italy, the category for this class of aircraft is Microlight.- Requires flying with a helmet.
- Maximum weight requirements excludes seat belts, parachute and instruments.
- Single-seat maximum weight of 300 kg (661 lb), and 330 kg (728 lb) for amphibious, stall speed must not exceed 65 km/h (33 kn).
- Two-seat maximum weight of 450 kg (992 lb), and 500 kg (1,102 lb) for amphibious, stall speed must not exceed 65 km/h (33 kn). Aircraft may be used for instruction or flown by pilots with a valid private license, and at least 30 hours flight time.
- Intended for use at private fields. Use at civil airports requires prior permission.
- Airspace restrictions - Must remain within the territory of the state (the flight limit of 4 km (2.2 nmi) from the border of another state was abolished by the law 24 April 1998, n. 128 "Disposizioni per l'adempimento di obblighi derivanti dall'appartenenza dell'Italia alle Comunità Europee" - communitary law 1995/97- art.22 comma 20-, published on the Gazzetta Ufficiale n.88/L of May 7, 1998). It is forbidden to fly over cities.
- All aircraft must have a metal plate with the identification number issued by the AeCI (Aero Club Italia). The same number must be fixed onto the underneath of the wing with letters that measure a minimum of 30×15 cm (12 X 6 inches), in contrasting colour.
- From dawn till sunset, flight must be below 500 ft (152 m)
- On Saturday and holidays flight must be below 1000 ft (305 m) with 5 km (2.7 nmi) separation from airports not located within ATZ .
- Microlight operation requires a certificate exam, insurance and a medical examination.
New Zealand
In New Zealand microlight aircraft are separated into two classes, basically single and two seat aircraft. All microlights are required to have a prescribed endurance testing period when they are first flown, and all microlights must have a minimum set of instrumentation to show airspeed (except powered parachutes), altitude and magnetic heading.NZ Class 1
- Single seat aircraft with a design gross weight of 544 kg (1,199 lb) (landplanes) or 579 kg (1,276 lb) (seaplanes or amphibians), or less, and a stall speed in the landing configuration of 45 knots (88.2 km/h) or less. Requires aircraft registration, and annual condition inspections, but does not require a permit to fly.
NZ Class 2
- Two seat aircraft with a design gross weight of 544 kg (1,199 lb) (landplanes) or 614 kg (1,354 lb) (seaplanes or amphibians), or less, and a stall speed of 45 knots (88.2 km/h) or less in the landing configuration. Must meet minimum type acceptance standards which may be foreign standards which have been deemed acceptable, or via a temporary permit to fly and flight testing regime. Requires aircraft registration, annual condition inspections, and a current permit to fly.
Philippines
The Civil Aviation Regulations define "non-type certified aircraft", under which ultralights and microlights fall, as:An aircraft that does not possess an aircraft type certificate issued by any country/state. It is, of simple design and constriction, either a homebuilt or a kit built variety and for recreational and sport use, day VFR condition only.
A class of non-type certificated aircraft is applicable to all classifications, including powered parachutes, gyrocopter, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
United Kingdom
The UK regulations describe a microlight aeroplane as limited to two people, with a Maximum Total Weight Authorised (MTWA) not exceeding: for a single seat landplane. for a single seat landplane for which a UK Permit to Fly or Certificate of Airworthiness was in force prior to 1 January 2003 for a two seat landplane for a single seat amphibian or floatplane for a two seat amphibian or floatplaneA microlight must also have either a wing loading at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 25 kg per square metre or a stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 kn (69 km/h) calibrated speed. All UK registered aeroplanes (3-axis or flex-wing) falling within these parameters are Microlight aircraft.
A sub-category of microlights (SSDR) was introduced which allows owners more freedom to modify and experiment with their aircraft. Single Seat De-Regulated microlights must weigh less than 115 kg (254 lb) without fuel and pilot and the wing loading must not be more than 10 kg per sq m. There is no airworthiness requirement or annual inspection regime for SSDR microlights although pilots who fly them must have a normal microlight licence, and must observe the rules of the air.
A license is required to fly a microlight in the UK.
United States
The United States FAAFederal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
's definition of an ultralight is significantly different from that in most other countries and can lead to some confusion when discussing the topic. The governing regulation in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
is FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles, which specifies a powered "ultralight" as a single seat vehicle 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 or 64 mph), and a maximum stall speed not exceeding 24 knots (45 km/h or 27.6 mph). Restrictions include flying only during daylight hours and over unpopulated areas. Unpowered "ultralights" (hang gliders
Hang gliding
Hang gliding is an air sport in which a pilot flies a light and unmotorized foot-launchable aircraft called a hang glider ....
, paragliders
Paragliding
Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure...
, etc.) are limited to a weight of 155 lb (70 kg) with extra weight allowed for amphibious landing gear and ballistic parachute systems.
In 2004 the FAA introduced the "Light-sport aircraft
Light-sport Aircraft
A Light-sport aircraft, also known as light sport aircraft or LSA, is a small aircraft that is simple to fly and which meets certain regulations set by a National aviation authority restricting weight and performance...
" category, which resembles some other countries' microlight categories.
In the United States no license or training is required by law for ultralights, but training is highly advisable. For light-sport aircraft a sport pilot certificate is required.
Ultralight aviation is represented by the United States Ultralight Association (USUA
USUA
The United States Ultralight Association is a non-profit organization that endeavors to support ultralight aviation and ultralight aircraft...
), which acts the US aeroclub representative to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale is the world governing body for air sports and aeronautics and astronautics world records. Its head office is in Lausanne, Switzerland. This includes man-carrying aerospace vehicles from balloons to spacecraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles...
.
Types of aircraft
While ultralight-type planes date back to the early 1900s (such as the Santos-DumontAlberto Santos-Dumont
Alberto Santos-Dumont , was a Brazilian early pioneer of aviation. The heir of a wealthy family of coffee producers, Santos Dumont dedicated himself to science studies in Paris, France, where he spent most of his adult life....
Demoiselle), there have been three generations of modern, fixed-wing ultralight aircraft designs, which are generally classed by the type of structure.
The first generation of modern ultralights were actually hang gliders with small engines added to them, to create powered hang glider
Powered Hang Glider
A foot-launched powered hang glider , also called powered harness, nanolight, or hangmotor, is a powered hang glider harness with a motor and propeller in pusher configuration...
s. The wings on these were flexible, braced by wires, and steered by shifting the pilot's weight under the wing.
The second generation ultralights began to arrive in the mid-1970s. These were designed as powered aircraft, but still used wire bracing and usually single-surface wings. Most of these have "2-Axis" control systems, operated by stick or yoke, which control the elevators (pitch) and the rudder (yaw) -- there are no ailerons, so may be no direct control of banking (roll). A few 2-Axis designs use spoilers
Spoiler (aeronautics)
In aeronautics, a spoiler is a device intended to reduce lift in an aircraft. Spoilers are plates on the top surface of a wing which can be extended upward into the airflow and spoil it. By doing so, the spoiler creates a carefully controlled stall over the portion of the wing behind it, greatly...
on the top of the wings, and pedals for rudder control. Examples of 2-Axis ultralights are the "Pterodactyl" and the "Quicksilver MX".
The third generation ultralights, arriving in the early 1980s, have strut-braced wings and airframe structure. Nearly all use 3-Axis control systems, as used on standard airplanes, and these are the most popular. Third generation designs include the CGS Hawk
CGS Hawk
The CGS Hawk is a family of high wing, strut-braced, pusher configuration, single and two-seats-in-tandem ultralight aircraft, designed by Chuck Slusarczyk and manufactured by CGS Aviation.-Development:...
, Kolb Ultrastar
Kolb Ultrastar
|-See also:-External links:**...
and Quad City Challenger
Quad City Challenger
|-See also:...
.
There are several types of aircraft which qualify as ultralights, but which do not have fixed-wing designs. These include:
- Weight-shift control trike - while the first generation ultralights were also controlled by weight shift, most of the current weight shift ultralights use a hang glider-style wing, below which is suspended a three wheeled carriage which carries the engine and aviators. These aircraft are controlled by pushing against a horizontal control bar in roughly the same way as a hang glider pilot flies. Trikes generally have impressive climb rates and are ideal for rough field operation, but are slower than other types of fixed-wing ultralights.
- Powered parachutePowered parachuteA powered parachute is a parachute with motor and wheels. The aircraft's airspeed is typically about 25–35 mph . PPCs operate safely at heights ranging from a few feet off the ground to altitudes as high as 18,000+ feet...
s - cart mounted engines with parafoil wings, which are wheeled aircraft.
- Powered paraglidingPowered paraglidingPowered paragliding, also known as paramotoring, is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a motor on his or her back which provides enough thrust to take off using an adapted paraglider or paramotor wing...
- backpack engines with parafoil wings, which are foot-launched.
- Powered hang gliderPowered Hang GliderA foot-launched powered hang glider , also called powered harness, nanolight, or hangmotor, is a powered hang glider harness with a motor and propeller in pusher configuration...
- motorized foot-launched hang glider harness.
- AutogyroAutogyroAn autogyro , also known as gyroplane, gyrocopter, or rotaplane, is a type of rotorcraft which uses an unpowered rotor in autorotation to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller, similar to that of a fixed-wing aircraft, to provide thrust...
- rotary wing with cart mounted engine, a gyrocopter is different from a helicopter in that the rotating wing is not powered, the engine provides forward thrust and the airflow through the rotary blades causes them to autorotateAutorotationIn aviation, autorotation refers to processes in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The term means significantly different things in each context....
or "spin up" to create lift. Most of these use a design based on the Bensen B-8 gyrocopter.
- HelicopterHelicopterA helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
- there are a number of single-seat and two-place helicopters which fall under the microlight categories in countries such as New Zealand. However, few helicopter designs fall within the more restrictive ultralight category defined in the United States of America. Two examples that do are the Mosquito Air and XEL designs from Innovator Technologies, Inc.
- Hot air balloonHot air balloonThe hot air balloon is the oldest successful human-carrying flight technology. It is in a class of aircraft known as balloon aircraft. On November 21, 1783, in Paris, France, the first untethered manned flight was made by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes in a hot air...
- there are numerous ultralight hot air balloons in the US, and several more have been built and flown in France and Australia in recent years. Some ultralight hot air balloons are hopper balloonHopper balloonA hopper balloon is a small, one-person hot air balloon. Unlike a conventional hot air balloon where people ride inside a basket, there is no basket on a hopper balloon. Instead, the hopper pilot usually sits on a seat or wears a harness similar to a parachute harness. Hoppers are typically flown...
s, while others are regular hot air balloons that carry passengers in a basket.
Electric powered ultralights
Research has been conducted in recent years to replace gasoline engines in ultralights with electric motors powered by batteries to produce electric aircraft. This has now resulted in practical production electric power systems for some ultralight applications. These developments have been motivated by cost as well as environmental concernsClimate change
Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average...
. In many ways ultralights are a good application for electric power as some models are capable of flying with low power, which allows longer duration flights on battery power.
In 2007 ElectraFlyer
ElectraFlyer
The ElectraFlyer trike is an ultralight aircraft that flies using an electric motor, instead of a traditional gasoline engine.The ElectraFlyer-C is a prototype aircraft that uses the same electric motor configuration as the ElectraFlyer Trike....
began offering engine kits to convert ultralight weight shift trikes to electric power. The 18 hp
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
motor weighs 26 lb (11.8 kg) and an efficiency of 90% is claimed by designer Randall Fishman. The battery consists of a lithium-polymer battery pack of 5.6kwh which provides 1.5 hours of flying in the trike application. The power system for a trike costs USD
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
$8285. to $11285. The company claims a flight recharge cost of 60 cents.
Safety
Historically, ultralights have had a poor safety reputation. Most of the early designs were fragile or unstable, and this resulted in a number of accidents.As designs matured, pilot error was shown to be the cause of the vast majority of incidents involving ultralights. As a result, most countries now require an Ultralight Pilot's license/certificate, often regulated by one or more officially-delegated pilots' organizations. The United States does not require any training for ultralight pilots; however, experienced ultralighters are nearly unanimous in recommending that no one solo before receiving dual training. Instruction may be given in two-place light-sport
Light-sport Aircraft
A Light-sport aircraft, also known as light sport aircraft or LSA, is a small aircraft that is simple to fly and which meets certain regulations set by a National aviation authority restricting weight and performance...
versions of the ultralight. An instructor must be certified by the FAA to give dual instruction in a light-sport aircraft
Light-sport Aircraft
A Light-sport aircraft, also known as light sport aircraft or LSA, is a small aircraft that is simple to fly and which meets certain regulations set by a National aviation authority restricting weight and performance...
.
The build quality and airworthiness of ultralight aircraft (and homebuilt
Homebuilt aircraft
Also known as amateur-built aircraft or kit planes, homebuilt aircraft are constructed by persons for whom this is not a professional activity. These aircraft may be constructed from "scratch," from plans, or from assembly kits.-Overview:...
light-sport aircraft in the USA) can now equal that of Certified light aircraft. Some types satisfy both sets of requirements and are available for registration to either Ultralight or Certified status. When registered as an ultralight (or Experimental
Experimental aircraft
An experimental aircraft is an aircraft that has not yet been fully proven in flight. Often, this implies that new aerospace technologies are being tested on the aircraft, though the label is more broad....
), the pilot is permitted to do more of the simple maintenance tasks, resulting in a lower cost of operation, although this comes at the cost of restrictions such as avoiding densely populated urban areas, bad weather, or night. Many older pilots are willing to trade these operational restrictions for a lower drain on their retirement incomes, and as a result many ultralights are now flown by experienced General Aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
(GA) pilots or ex-commercial pilots. One other reason for this increase in acceptance is that any pilot is "only one medical away from being an ultralight pilot" -- a reference to the requirement that most other pilots must pass periodic physical examinations, but not to fly ultralights.
The future
Ultralight/microlight aircraft were once regarded as "flying clotheslines", since early aircraft were typically completely open, wire, tube and rag aircraft – these aircraft were seldom used for anything more than local area flying.However, ultralights are rapidly transforming into high performance aircraft, capable of very respectable speed and range. In recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of General Aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
pilots flying high performance ultralights due to the cost benefits.
These aircraft are now often referred to as recreational aircraft.
A rapidly growing area of the class is scale-replica "warbirds", such as the offerings from Titan Aircraft
Titan Aircraft
Titan Aircraft is an aircraft kit manufacturer, located in Austinburg, Ohio. They produce kits for the Titan T-51 Mustang which is a 3/4 scale replica of the P-51 Mustang and several versions of the Tornado ultralight/light-sport aircraft.-External links:*...
and Loehle Aircraft
Loehle Aircraft
Loehle Aircraft Corporation is an aircraft manufacturer located in Wartrace, Tennessee, that produces aircraft kits and a complete aircraft paint line for all types of aircraft, including metal, composite and fabric covered.-History:...
.
Notable microlight/ultralight manufacturers
- Aero Consult Light AircraftAero Consult Light AircraftAero Consult Light Aircraft is an aircraft manufacturer based in the Netherlands.In 2007, they acquired the rights to the Aviasud Sirocco from Aériane, who wished to concentrate on the Swift glider and PAS. ACLA has redesigned the tailplane and wings and is re-launching the aircraft as the...
- Air CreationAir CreationAir Creation is a French manufacturer of ultralight and Light-sport aircraft. The company was founded in 1982 and has since produced more than 5,500 aircraft. Current product portfolio includes the two seat Tanarg and the GTE Trek...
- Aviasud EngineeringAviasud EngineeringAviasud Engineering was a French company that specialised in composite lightweight aircraft.From 1980, it produced:*The 1983 Aviasud Sirocco ; single-seat parasol monoplane....
- Avid AircraftAvid AircraftAvid Aircraft Inc was an American aircraft kitplane manufacturer. The company was founded in 1983 by Dean Wilson to produce the Avid Flyer. It ceased operations in November 2003.-History:...
- Beaujon AircraftBeaujon AircraftBeaujon Aircraft, also known as Beaujon Ultralights, is an American aircraft design company, located in Ardmore, Oklahoma.-History:Founded by Herbert Beaujon in the 1970s, Beaujon Aircraft has published the designs for eight ultralight aircraft and marketed seven of them in book form under the name...
- DynAero
- Electric Aircraft CorporationElectraFlyerThe ElectraFlyer trike is an ultralight aircraft that flies using an electric motor, instead of a traditional gasoline engine.The ElectraFlyer-C is a prototype aircraft that uses the same electric motor configuration as the ElectraFlyer Trike....
- Evektor-AerotechnikEvektor-AerotechnikEvektor-Aerotechnik is manufcturer of general aviation aircraft aircraft, based in Kunovice in Czech Republic. The company produces range of light sport aircraft, training and advanced ultralight aircraft that are exported to 40 countries worldwide...
- Fantasy AirFANTASY AIRFantasy Air was a Czech aircraft manufacturer. The company started building ultralight aircraft in the 1990s. Fantasy Air manufactured the Allegro 2007 aircraft under microlight/ultralight regulations in several countries and under the Light-sport aircraft rules in the US.The company made a deal...
- Flight DesignFlight DesignFlight Design is a German aircraft manufacturer based in Leinfelden-Echterdingen.The company started building hang gliders and ultralight aircraft in the 1980s and added paragliders in 2001....
- FlylabFlylabFlylab Srl is an Italian light aircraft manufacturer basedin Ischitella, Foggia.Flylab produce a range of variants of the basic Tucano model...
- Jabiru AircraftJabiru AircraftJabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd is an Australian aircraft manufacturer that produces a range of kit- and ready-built civil light aircraft in Bundaberg, Queensland. The company also designs and manufactures a range of light aircraft engines...
- Loehle AircraftLoehle AircraftLoehle Aircraft Corporation is an aircraft manufacturer located in Wartrace, Tennessee, that produces aircraft kits and a complete aircraft paint line for all types of aircraft, including metal, composite and fabric covered.-History:...
- Micro Aviation NZ
- Murphy AircraftMurphy AircraftMurphy Aircraft Manufacturing Limited is a Canadian maker of civil utility aircraft kits. They have designed and produced a series of aircraft which allows builders to choose from a range of sizes - from two-seat sports planes to six-place bush transports....
- New Kolb AircraftNew Kolb AircraftThe New Kolb Aircraft Company is an American aircraft manufacturer that produces kitplanes for amateur construction.-History:Homer Kolb first flew his initial commercial design, the Kolb Flyer, in 1970. The aircraft was ahead of its time and so Kolb waited until the ultralight aircraft boom of...
- PipistrelPipistrelPipistrel d.o.o Ajdovščina is a Slovenian light aircraft manufacturerbased in Ajdovščina. Its owner and director is Ivo Boscarol.- Aircraft :* Pipistrel Alpha Trainer* Pipistrel Sinus* Pipistrel Virus* Pipistrel Virus SW* Pipistrel Taurus...
- Preceptor AircraftPreceptor AircraftPreceptor Aircraft is an American aircraft kit manufacturer located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, producing kits for homebuilt monoplanes. The company was previously named Nostalgair.-Aircraft:* STOL King, A high wing STOL aircraft....
- Raj Hamsa UltralightsRaj Hamsa UltralightsRaj Hamsa Ultralights is an Indian private limited company and ultralight aircraft manufacturer, founded in 1980 at Pondicherry, India by Joel Koechlin of France. The company is one of India's largest aircraft manufacturers and its only producer of commercial microlight aircraft...
- Rans DesignsRans DesignsRans Designs, previously called Rans Inc., is an American aircraft and bicycle manufacturer based in Hays, Kansas, United States. The company name is a portmanteau of the first and last names of the company founder, Randy Schlitter...
- Remos Aircraft
- Spectrum AircraftSpectrum AircraftSpectrum Aircraft was a Canadian ultralight aircraft manufacturer that commenced operations in 1983 and went out of business in 1992. The company was known for its Beaver ultralight design, which remains in production by successor companies in the 21st century....
- Titan AircraftTitan AircraftTitan Aircraft is an aircraft kit manufacturer, located in Austinburg, Ohio. They produce kits for the Titan T-51 Mustang which is a 3/4 scale replica of the P-51 Mustang and several versions of the Tornado ultralight/light-sport aircraft.-External links:*...
- TecnamTecnamCostruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam is an aeronautics manufacturer founded in 1948, based near Naples in Italy. The company has two primary activities: it makes aircraft parts for other manufacturers, and makes its own range of light aircraft.-History:...
- Urban AirUrban AirUrban Air is an aircraft manufacturer based in the Czech Republic.The company is a manufacturer of light sport and ultralight aircraft and employs 40 people. The company was founded in 1998 by five partners. Their first prototype made its inaugural flight in May 1996, thus pre-dating the company by...
Notable national microlight/ultralight organizations
- Experimental Aircraft AssociationExperimental Aircraft AssociationThe Experimental Aircraft Association is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Since its inception it has grown internationally with over 160,000 members and about 1,000 chapters worldwide....
- Recreational Aviation AustraliaRecreational Aviation AustraliaRecreational Aviation Australia , formerly known as the Australian Ultralight Federation , is the governing body for ultralights in Australia....
- United States Ultralight Association
- United States Powered Paragliding Association
See also
- Aerosport airshow, ultralight aviation show at the IgualadaIgualadaIgualada is a municipality of the province of Barcelona in Catalonia . It is located on the left bank of the Anoia river, and at the western end of the Igualada-Martorell-Barcelona railway. Igualada is the capital and central market of the Anoia comarca, a rich agricultural and wine-producing...
-ÒdenaÒdenaÒdena is a municipality in the comarca of the Anoia in Catalonia,Spain. It is situated in the centre of the Òdena Basin, on the side of a small hill. The remains of Òdena castle withits octagonal tower are at the top of the hill...
aerodromeAerodromeAn aerodrome, airdrome or airfield is a term for any location from which aircraft flight operations take place, regardless of whether they involve cargo, passengers or neither...
Barcelona Province, SpainSpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula... - Backpack helicopterBackpack helicopterA backpack helicopter is a helicopter motor and rotor and controls assembly that can be strapped to a person's back, so that he can walk about on the ground wearing it, and can use it to fly. Its harness, like a parachute harness, should have a strap between the legs, so that the pilot does not...
- Jetpack
- NanolightNanolightA Nanolight is an Australian class of ultralight powered aircraft. It was originally defined as a Powered Hang Glider with an empty weight, including both wing and power system, of less than...