Questions tagged [ultralight]
Questions regarding very lightweight powered aircraft.
130
questions
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29 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 ...
0
votes
0answers
70 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
1
vote
1answer
67 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
48 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?
3
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3answers
310 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 ...
11
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1answer
1k 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 ...
3
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3answers
250 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?
4
votes
2answers
368 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 ...
0
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4answers
171 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, ...
1
vote
1answer
128 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?
1
vote
3answers
136 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 (...
1
vote
3answers
170 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
1k 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
80 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 ...
-1
votes
1answer
96 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 ...
1
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1answer
276 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
131 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?
1
vote
1answer
109 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 ...
0
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1answer
108 views
What indications has the FAA given that phrases like “surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport” do or don't include E4 “extensions”?
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, Class E airspace extends all the way down to the ...
3
votes
1answer
150 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?
2
votes
1answer
131 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 ...
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2answers
183 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?
3
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0answers
49 views
Would FAR 91.227, or any other regulation, forbid use of ADS-B-out in an unregistered ultralight?
Would FAR 91.227, or any other regulation, forbid use of ADS-B-out in an unregistered ultralight? Could the N-number field simply be left blank, without violating any regulation or law?
One possibly ...
0
votes
2answers
128 views
At what altitude, if any, may an ultralight overfly the Gallup airport (KGUP) with no prior authorization without violating FAR 103.17?
At what altitude, if any, may an ultralight overfly the Gallup, New Mexico airport (KGUP) with no prior authorization without violating FAR 103.17?
This is a question about the meaning of
"within ...
2
votes
2answers
100 views
How to select and electric propulsion system for my experimental Ultralight?
I've been trying to design and build, my experimental Ultralight using electric propulsion system, My plane designed base on Slaler and Gensis ultralight , following is the primary calculation
Empty ...
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1answer
197 views
Does anyone know free DIY ultralight plans? [closed]
Is anybody aware of open source plans for an ultralight that can be made out of standarized aluminium/wooden parts without welding?
2
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4answers
241 views
Is it possible to power an ultralight airplane with a single-cylinder weed-whacker engine?
Plane:
Weighs 200 pounds.
16 FT wingspan,
36in. by 5 in. airfoil
Engine: 3,000 RPM, 2 HP
Propeller: 4ft with 4 blades and weighs 4 lbs.
Is there perhaps an equation that could determine this?
-2
votes
2answers
670 views
What engine should I use for a home-built ultralight (That is rideable) [closed]
I am looking for an engine that is powerful + cheap engine that will work in an ultralight aircraft and fly 1 person as well as the plane. yeah, this is kinda specific, but I have a tight budget and ...
1
vote
1answer
73 views
Do ultralights need to have EPA-compliant engines in the USA and Canada?
Do ultralights need to have EPA-compliant engines in:
The USA?
Canada?
Just wondering if you could use a hobby type 2 stroke engine for a twin engine Lazair type ultralight. I don't think they are ...
0
votes
1answer
120 views
Does anyone have free plans for a ultralight?
I am looking for free ultralight plans for a beginner. I have been wanting to fly but I don’t want to spend thousands on a license so ultralight is the next best thing.
1
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2answers
638 views
Can a harbor freight predator 212 cc engine be enough for an ultralight [duplicate]
Hi I am planing on building a budget ultralight and I was wondering if a 6.5 hp 212 cc predator motor will be enough and if so what size prop should I use.
A little background, it is going to be a ...
13
votes
1answer
5k views
Why does Canada recommend a minimum rate of climb for ultralights of 300 ft/min?
What is a safe minimum rate of climb for ultralights? I understand most ultralights climb at least 300-800 ft/min and in fact the Canadian ultralight specs recommend a minimum rate of climb of 300 ft/...
3
votes
1answer
306 views
Is there any legal way to fly an inline twin-engine aircraft with a single-engine certificate?
Is there any legal way to fly an inline twin-engine aircraft with only a single-engine endorsement? For example, if it's an ultralight or amateur built?
I understand Rutan's Defiant was an inline ...
1
vote
1answer
389 views
Is it possible to fly an ultralight aircraft with a 13.4kW engine?
I want to build an ultralight within the 115kg preload (US standard). Can I use and engine with the specifications below? My weight is around 63kg.
Rated output: 13.4kW(18HP)@3600RPM
5
votes
0answers
96 views
Do UL aircraft complying with LTF-UL need to copy an existing design pattern?
With my current pipe dream being to get physically involved in aviation
instead of only theoretically, I looked into the regulations for ultralight planes in Germany.
On multiple occasions in the ...
2
votes
4answers
184 views
Where is the compression on a compression strut in a tube and fabric airplane coming from?
I understand the functions of every part of a tube and fabric (two spar) ultralight wings and the loads they carry but what keeps puzzling me is the compression strut of a two spar wing as seen above.
...
10
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2answers
1k views
Why do gliders have bungee cords in the control systems and what do they do? Are they on all control surfaces? What about ultralights?
Why do gliders have bungee cords in the control systems and what do they do?
Are they on all control surfaces?
Why don't ultralights have them?
9
votes
2answers
2k views
Did the twin engined Lazair ultralight have a throttle for each engine?
Did the twin engined Lazair ultralight have a throttle for each engine?
I know larger aircraft have dual throttles.
What about the smaller aircraft like ultralights?
It would be so much easier just ...
33
votes
4answers
10k views
What is it exactly about flying a Flyboard across the English channel that made Zapata's thighs burn?
CNN's French inventor makes 'beautiful' flight across Channel on hoverboard reports that:
"French inventor Franky Zapata has successfully crossed the Channel on a jet-powered hoverboard for the ...
4
votes
1answer
229 views
Does a tandem ultralight need flaps on the rear wing if the front wing has flaps?
Does a tandem ultralight need flaps on the rear wing if the front wing has flaps?
I understand that most Rutan canards don't have flaps as I was told if the main wing has flaps, the canards need one ...
1
vote
1answer
52 views
What is the best or most popular way to reduce wing tip vortices on an ultralight operating at 600-800k Re?
What is the best or most popular way to reduce wing tip vortices on an ultralight triplane, operating at 600-800k Re with fibreglass wings ,10 ft wingspan, gap of 2 chord, chord of 2 ft, 0 stagger?
...
0
votes
1answer
182 views
Where can I take my ultralight aircraft? [closed]
I know many airports do not allow ultralight aircraft but can I take it to work, home, or to the bar? What is the limits of freedoms of travel in an ultralight?
2
votes
2answers
533 views
How much lift does the wing attach fitting actually carry?
How do I calculate the lift force that the the bolt that join the wings to the fuselage of a strutted or braced airplane carry?
I know in a cantilever airplane,the bolts have to carry all of the lift ...
2
votes
4answers
432 views
How to determine the compressive force in the spars of a strutted wing?
How does one calculate the compressive force that the inner section of a strutted or braced wing (from the strut attach point to the wing root) experiences?
I know how to calculate the tension in the ...
0
votes
1answer
210 views
May an ultralight vehicle pass directly above KEGE at 9200 MSL at 1600Z with no prior authorization without violating FAR 103.17?
May an ultralight vehicle pass directly above KEGE at 9200 MSL at 1600Z with no prior authorization without violating FAR 103.17?
http://vfrmap.com/?type=vfrc&lat=39.643&lon=-106.916&zoom=...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
Why is the tail group of virtually every airplane swept instead of straight?
Even low performance airplanes like ultralights have their tail group (vertical and horizontal stabilizer with rudder and elevator) swept backwards knowing fully well that a straight tail group will ...
4
votes
1answer
195 views
What are the historical precedents of today's E2 and E4 airspace? (US)
What are the historical precedents of today's E2 and E4 airspace? From what previous airspace classes did these airspaces evolve? How do these precedents help us understand the significance of the ...
2
votes
1answer
208 views
What are all the US airports where E4 “extensions” change to E2 and become part of a larger E2 “surface area” when the tower closes for the night?
Of all the US airports with part-time control towers and with E4 "extensions", in which cases are the airspace definitions written so that the E4 "extensions" change to E2 and become part of a larger ...
2
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0answers
99 views
In the US, can airspace simultaneously be E2 and E4? What happens at KSTC to the airspace in the dashed magenta boundary when the tower closes?
In the US, can the same airspace simultaneously be E2 and E4?
Consider the case of KSTC -- St. Cloud Regional Airport, MN.
http://vfrmap.com/?type=vfrc&lat=45.546&lon=-94.059&zoom=10
On ...
11
votes
2answers
507 views
What is the primary reason that the non-towered airports KACV and KTVL have E4 extensions to E2 airspace?
NOTE-- this question is not about why it was desired to protect the airspace that ended up within the E4 "extensions". Rather, this question is about why that was done by designating that airspace as ...
