Questions tagged [ultralight]

Questions regarding very lightweight powered aircraft.

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What's the most cost effective way to keep a PPL current with Ultralights?

I hold an NPPL(m) - which is a UK license for Micro/Ultralights only. I wish to "upgrade" (sadly there is no formal upgrade path) to a PPL so that on occasion, I can hire 4 seaters. My ...
Cloud's user avatar
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1 vote
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Minimum HP for ultralight

What is the minimum HP needed to fly a 200 pound ultralight? I’m looking at a 6.5 HP, 3600 RPM Predator engine, but is that enough?
Tar Emosewa's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is careless or reckless operation of an ultralight illegal?

Is flying an ultralight in a careless or reckless manner illegal?
Someone's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
105 views

Is a 3 seat Microlight build possible?

Many Microlights have weights of no more than 450kg, as that was the old weight limit. Now that the limit is 650kg, it seems to me that would be enough weight to add an extra seat (80kg for the ...
Cloud's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
132 views

How do I get rated to fly complex aircraft that are still Microlights?

In the most recent issue of the BMAA magazine, there are new aircraft listed that are still Microlights, but have complex features. These include Autopilot(!), retractable landing gears and even ...
Cloud's user avatar
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4 votes
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What do I need to do to fly a Microlight to France?

I wish to fly a C42 to France from the UK. I can file the flight plan from Skydemon, but I have an NPPL, so I believe I need to obtain permission from French authorities and maybe do other things. ...
Cloud's user avatar
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19 votes
5 answers
6k views

What control inputs to make if a wing falls off?

If a wing is severed due to structural damage or from a mid-air collision, what is the best control input to make? I would think opposite aileron and rudder, i.e. if right wing falls off, input full ...
Cloud's user avatar
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11 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is there anything important to know about flying at ~9000ft for the first time?

When I did my NPPL training, there was a module on flying at minimum altitude, but nothing around high altitude flying, in fact, I've never flown over 3,500ft. This weekend, I intend to fly up to ...
Cloud's user avatar
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1 vote
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146 views

Is there a standard traffic pattern altitude for ultralight aircraft?

Many airports publish a Traffic Pattern Altitude. For those that do not, the standard that pilots are expected to fly is 1000' AGL per the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. (The AIM and ...
Michael Hall's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
422 views

Can I learn acrobatics in a Microlight?

Can I learn acrobatics in a Microlight, such as a C42 or Eurofox? I would like to extend my abilities beyond getting from A - B but don't want to get a full PPL. I enjoy unusual attitudes too much :)
Cloud's user avatar
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Are paramotors a good option for someone interested in flying, if so, what kind of regulations apply to them?

I am someone who wants to learn how to fly something, anything that I can ride in because it's just cool, are paramotors cheap and easy to use enough to get from novice to safe pilot in about a year ...
Ryan Christiansen's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
108 views

Are the NPPL minimum annual hours really safe?

I am a Microlight pilot (Ultralight for U.S folks) with an NPPL(m) rating. The minimum requirements for bi-annual license renewal is: 12 hours flying 12 take-offs and landings 1 hour of instruction ...
Cloud's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
360 views

Can you take off from a country road in a ultralight aircraft?

Can I take off from a country road in a ultralight aircraft (In the USA). I have seen resources online saying yes and no. Does it vary from state to state?
Pink Pit's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
60 views

What are lateral boundaries? [duplicate]

In regard to: 103.17 OPERATIONS IN CERTAIN AIRSPACE No Person may operate an ultralight vehicle within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface ...
ThatGuyRJ's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
202 views

What do you need to have onboard for flights with an ultralight/sport aircraft over water (Atlantic, Pacific)? Life raft possible (weight/size)?

Remark: For us in Germany an UL is a 2 seater with 470/600kg MTOW. AFAIK those are named Light Sport Aircraft in the US/Australia. Example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikarus_C42 What do you use if ...
Horst Walter's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

How can an ultralight be slowed down for landing in a tailwind?

When flying an ultra light and I have a tail wind, and, with the engine at idle how do I slow down to land ?
Redderk's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
471 views

Is it legal to hire a test pilot to conduct the first flight of a homebuilt ultralight in the United States?

Is it legal in the United States to hire a test pilot to conduct the first flight(s) of a homebuilt ultralight? This seems like a bit of a grey area- FAR 103.1(b) states that an ultralight aircraft is ...
MD88Fan's user avatar
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0 votes
3 answers
660 views

Is Peter Sripol’s Mk4 ultralight design safe and/or practical? [closed]

I recently rewatched Peter Sripol’s Mk4 ultralight video Obviously, the aircraft flew, but I have several questions as a result. First and foremost, is a vinyl-covered ...
MD88Fan's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
323 views

Do the NPRMs & Final Rules preceding 1993 "alphabet" airspace re-designation indicate that these phrases were meant to exclude Class E "extensions"?

Note-- this question is specifically about the content in the rule-making documents leading up to the September 16 1993 "alphabet" airspace re-designation, which is when the terms "...
quiet flyer's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
159 views

Do ultralights registered in Germany require an annual inspection?

I'm trying to find out how the German Ultralight aircraft ongoing inspections system works - do German registered Ultralight need to be inspected annually before they can then be operated for a ...
Brad Edward Wagenhauser's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
3k views

Is a VW Beetle engine a good choice for a light two-seat aircraft build? [duplicate]

What do you think of an air cooled Volkswagen engine for building a light two-seat airplane? This is probably the only engine I can get my hands on that needs no reduction gear and has enough HP. ...
Aerofanatic's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
319 views

I'm trying to replace the Colomban CRI CRI engines with twin 72v 3000w dc electric motor. Will the plane fly?

This is the 72V 300W DC motor: (source)
Ben Fabulous's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Can an ultralight be flown at night or IFR?

In Canada, can an ultralight be flown at night or IFR by a PPL pilot with a night flying or IFR endorsement if the ultralight is equipped for night flying or IFR ( eg. heated pitot tube, nav lights, ...
Fred's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
443 views

Can a US citizen fly a US ultralight into Canada?

Can a US citizen (no pilot license) fly a US ultralight into Canada or any other country? Due to a special exemption, Canadian pilots can fly a basic ultralight (registered but no certificate of ...
Fred's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
207 views

Are vortex generators considered high lift devices on US ultralights?

Are US ultralights allowed to have vortex generators? I understand US ultralights are required to have a landing speed of 28mph without the use of high lift devices. I understand this is so that the ...
Fred's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
638 views

Can a single seater airplane fly with 50 lbs of thrust

An airplane with 10 sq meters of wing five meters fuselage and including one person. can it fly with 50 lbs of thrust? And the max weight is 400 lbs
Dawood Hussaini's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
112 views

Can we get 0:40 thrust to weight ratio from three small engines

Because I have an engine of 13 hp four stroke 1 cylinder that pulls about 0:20 T/W ratio. and is it possible to multiply the thrust by two? Using two more small engines which is 6.5 hp each on the ...
Dawood Hussaini's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
953 views

If operating an ultralight with private pilot certificate, which rules apply?

If a holder of a private, commercial, or ATP pilot certificate operates an ultralight aircraft; and that aircraft is also equipped with the radios and transponders required by an airspace for GA ...
Max Power's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
976 views

Do hours flying "advanced ultralight" aircraft contribute towards your license in Canada?

I'm interested in the business possibilities of offering flight training in Southern Ontario, in particular using advanced ultralight aircraft. I realize that this is uncommon, of course, but my ...
Kyle's user avatar
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0 answers
107 views

Can I use Stihl fs250 engine for ultralight aircraft? [duplicate]

RPM 9000 Hp 2.2 Engine weight 6kg Plane weight 40kg Body weight. 70 Propellers(2blades) length 30 inches Wings length 120 inches
Ben Fabulous's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
121 views

Do dark conditions due to high-altitude smoke prevent ultralights from flying?

According to FAR103, you have to operate ultralights between sunrise and sunset, or between the times laid out in the Air Almanac (if you're in Alaska.) This means that the FAA has determined that ...
Sniggerfardimungus's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
388 views

Is there an official English version of LTF-UL?

I have found the German version of the ultralight regulations under Germany airworthiness authority, but I have not found a link for English version of that. is there any?
HamidAero's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
585 views

Why don't aircraft owners put vortex generators on the top of their flaps to extend single flap lift creation past 40 degrees?

Why don't ultralight/LSA aircraft owners put vortex generators (VGs) on the top of their flaps? I understand that the maximum flap angle for a single lift creating flap is 40°, but 80° with a double ...
Fred's user avatar
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11 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why do tail dragging seaplanes not exist?

I am in the process of starting to build an ultralight that will be a tail dragger with floats, and in my conversations with the fellows I'm building it with, we've realized we've never seen a plane ...
Sezess's user avatar
  • 111
3 votes
4 answers
431 views

Is PVC tubing a good material for helicopter airframes?

Been thinking of getting into the hobby of building ultralight helicopters, and would PVC tubing be a good choice to build the overall airframe?
Mr. Anderson's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do I obtain permission to fly in surface class E airspace under FAR-103?

I'm a paramotor pilot operating under FAR 103, and I'm trying to determine who I need to ask for permission to fly in class E airspace that extends to the surface and is designated for an airport. For ...
sndsgd's user avatar
  • 81
0 votes
4 answers
472 views

Why should I not use a "lifting tail" on my ultralight design?

In my misspent youth I designed and built many rubber, gas, and RC models. When I wanted good climb and glide I used a aft CG [60 to 80%] and a lifting tail. I had no stability or control problems, ...
Dunfam Ham's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
285 views

What is the minimum weight aircraft in which someone can build logged flight time?

What is the minimum weight aircraft in which someone can build logged flight time? Is logging flight hours in an ultralight possible?
Justintimeforfun's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
568 views

Why would the propeller of a lightsport plane or ultralight w/ Rotax engine be connected to the engine through a clutch, and not turn at low rpm?

Why would the propeller of an ultralight or lightsport plane be connected to the engine through a clutch, and not turn at low rpm? I've often witnessed the engine start of a Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (...
quiet flyer's user avatar
  • 21.8k
1 vote
3 answers
325 views

Can an automatic gearbox improve engine transmission for an ultralight? [duplicate]

I am working on my dream to build and fly an ultralight aircraft so I wouldn't like to know the following: Does adding a motorcycle automatic gear box to an engine improve on the strength for an ...
Muhumuza Devis's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
6k views

Can I use motorcycle engine in aircraft [duplicate]

I am trying to build an Aircraft, The weight of the Airplane will be around 40 Kg with engine and 8 liters of fuel and with me the total weight will be around 90 to 100 kg and I want to use a ...
Salman Sukhera's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
369 views

What is the approximate range of the Pelegrin Tarragon?

I recently read about the Pelegrin Tarragon ultralight aircraft made in my country, and got interested in it. Is it possible to have a reasonable estimate of the average distance you could cover in ...
Gnudiff's user avatar
  • 225
-1 votes
1 answer
137 views

What should I build my ultralight out of? [closed]

I have always wanted to fly and I have taken some ground school but I don’t have enough money to finish my ppl and get a plane so I think ultralights are the next best thing, it is just what should I ...
David Warren's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

In reference to airspace, what does the FAA mean by "within the lateral boundaries of"? Is this construed to also imply a vertical limit?

Several FARs use the phrase "within the lateral boundaries of" (x airspace). What does the FAA interpret this phrase to mean? Specifically, what is the vertical extent of the airspace encompassed by ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
  • 21.8k
1 vote
2 answers
4k views

What is the maximum takeoff weight allowed for a part 103 ultralight?

What is the max takeoff weight (MTOW) for a part 103 vertical takeoff (VTOL) ultralight? And is the value peak or continuous limit?
Ali Ma's user avatar
  • 79
1 vote
1 answer
532 views

Can a part 103 ultralight weigh 400kg fully loaded? [duplicate]

I am designing an electric VTOL personal part 103 ultralight. My question is: I have 114kg for the ultralight, 100kg for the pilot and 30kg for the baggage. About 260kg is enough to be take off ...
Ali Ma's user avatar
  • 79
3 votes
1 answer
813 views

What indication has the FAA given that phrases like "surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport" do or don't include E4 "extensions"?

This question pertains to the airspace of the USA. The dashed magenta shape on the sectional chart around KGUP depicts the horizontal extent of the Class-E-to-surface at KGUP. Inside this perimeter, ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
  • 21.8k
3 votes
1 answer
370 views

In which countries can I fly an FAA compliant Part 103 ultralight? [closed]

İf I have a legal part 103 ultralight as defined by the FAA, in which countries may I fly this ultralight in the world in addition to the USA?
Ali Ma's user avatar
  • 79
2 votes
1 answer
355 views

How can I certify an ultralight design as complying with part 103?

Can you help me about which procedure do I need to follow in order to have a certificate that my design is part 103 ultralight. And as a information how long would it take to get the certificate and ...
Ali Ma's user avatar
  • 79
-4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is a 3 horsepower engine powerful enough for a 100 pound ultralight? [duplicate]

I'm building an ultralight and it weighs 100 pounds empty. My only engine is 3HP. Is that good enough?
qwertyuiop's user avatar