Ultralight aviation

File:Huntair.pathfinder.arp.jpg

Huntair Pathfinder Mark 1 ultralight

Ultralight aviation (called microlight aviation in some countries) is the flying of lightweight, 1- or 2-seat fixed-wing aircraft. Some countries differentiate between weight-shift control and conventional three-axis control aircraft with ailerons, elevator and rudder, 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 flight. 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 aircraft" or "microlights", although the weight and speed limits differ from country to country. In Europe, the sporting (FAI) definition limits the maximum stalling speed to Template:Convert and the maximum take-off weight to Template:Convert, or Template:Convert if a ballistic parachute is installed. The definition means that the aircraft has a slow landing speed and short landing roll in the event of an engine failure.<ref name="WDLA11">Boric, Marino, Spoilt For Choice, Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al (editors): World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, page 10. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. {{#if:1368-485X|Template:Catalog lookup link{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}|Template:Error-small}}</ref>

In most affluent countries, microlights or ultralight aircraft now account for a significant percentage of the global civilian-owned aircraft. For instance, in Canada in February 2018, the ultralight aircraft fleet made up to 20.4% of the total civilian aircraft registered.<ref name="TCCARS">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In other countries that do not register ultralight aircraft, like in 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.

Definitions

Definitions of ultralight aircraft

Country	Type	Capacity	Template:Abbr	Time	Licence	Other conditions
Australia	Recreational Aircraft<ref name="AustraliaRegs">An overview of the legislative framework enabling sport and recreational aviation Template:Webarchive Accessed 7 January 2012</ref>	2	Template:Convert; Template:Convert for seaplanes	—	—	—
	Light Sport Aircraft<ref name="RAALSA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||2||Template:Convert; Template:Convert for seaplanes||—||—||—
Brazil	Ultralight	2	Template:Convert	Daylight visual conditions	—	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Canada	basic ultra-light aeroplane	2	Template:Convert	Daylight visual conditions	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Craft may be operated from land or water
	advanced ultra-light aeroplane	2	Template:Convert	Daylight visual conditions	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Craft may only carry a passenger if the pilot has an Ultralight Aeroplane Passenger Carrying Rating; may operate at a controlled airport without prior arrangement<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Europe<ref>Joint Aviation Authorities (1 November 2004), JAR 1, Template:Webarchive, retrieved 7 February 2015</ref>	land plane/helicopter, single-seater	1	300 kg	Daylight VFR	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Sport or recreation only
	land plane/helicopter, two-seater	2	Template:Convert	Daylight VFR	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Sport or recreation only
	amphibian or floatplane/helicopter single-seater	2	Template:Convert	Daylight VFR	Ultralight Pilot Permit	where operating both as a floatplane/helicopter and as a land plane/ helicopter, it falls below both MTOW limits, as appropriate
	land plane, two-seater equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system	2	Template:Convert	Daylight VFR	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Sport or recreational use only
	land plane single-seater equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system	1	Template:Convert	Daylight VFR	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Sport or recreational use only
	gyroplane	1–2	Template:Convert	Daylight VFR	Ultralight Pilot Permit	Sport or recreational only
India	—	2	Template:Convert without parachute	—	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||—
Italy	ultraleggero	1–2	Max Take Off Weight MTOW 2 persons, Template:Convert (Template:Convert without parachute) Hydroplanes, Template:Convert Single, Template:Convert Hydroplane single, Template:Convert Stall speed Template:Convert	Daylight, minimum of Template:Convert.	certificate exam, insurance and a medical examination.<ref name="Leggi e Regolamenti">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||Requires a helmet only for open cockpit aircraft. Flying over populated areas and assemblies of people are prohibited.<ref name="DPR 133">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Japan	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> (undefined in Civil Aeronautics Act)	1–2<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />	Max empty weight: Template:Convert (1 seat) Template:Convert (2 seats), with extra weight allowed for emergency parachute up to Template:Convert and for floats up to Template:Convert<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Passengers also need permission.<ref name=":2" />	Sports or recreational use only<ref name=":1" /> Other minister's permissions: flight permission (for each 2 – 4 months)<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Permission of land owner for landing and for take off<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Flyable area: uncontrolled airspace over unpopulated areas, within Template:Convert from departure point and landing at another point forbidden.<ref name=":2" /> Aircraft: powered, non-certified, propeller aircraft, including autogyro, with landing gear Minimum required equipment: airspeed indicator and altimeter Maximum stall speed: Template:Convert Minimum wing area: Template:Convert2 Maximum speed: Template:Convert Maximum fuel capacity: Template:Convert<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />
New Zealand	NZ Class 1	1	Single seat Template:Convert, Template:Convert for seaplanes; Stall speed Template:Convert.	Daytime VFR	Microlight Licence requiredTemplate:Citation needed	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Part 103 advisory circulars<ref name="auto">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	NZ Class 2	2	2 Seats Template:Convert, Template:Convert for seaplanes; Stall speed Template:Convert	Daytime VFR	Microlight Licence requiredTemplate:Citation needed	Part 103 Microlight Aircraft Operating Rules,<ref name="auto1"/> Part 103 advisory circulars<ref name="auto"/>
Philippines	non-type certified aircraft<ref name="car">Angeles City Flying Club, Excerpt from part 11 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.</ref><ref name="caap">Civil Aviation Authority Philippines Template:Webarchive, download page for all regulations.</ref>	—	—	Daytime VFR	—	recreational and sport use
United Kingdom	Sub-Template:Convert Unregulated, Single seat deregulated, 2-seat regulated.	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||Several definitions, from 70 kg with full fuel to Template:Convert maximum weight at take-off||Daytime VFR||Licence not required for Sub-70 kg, NPPL licence required otherwise<ref>British Microlight Aircraft Association. "[1]". Retrieved 24 July 2015</ref><ref>British Microlight Aircraft Association. "Licensed Flying, so you want to be a pilot?". Retrieved 24 July 2015</ref>||Recreational. No paid work.
United States	ultralight aircraft	1	Empty weight of less than Template:Convert <ref name="FAR Part103">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="USUAFAQ">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>||Daylight hours||no license required||less than Template:Convert fuel capacity, empty weight of less than 254 pounds, a top speed of Template:Convert, and a maximum stall speed not exceeding (Template:Convert). May only be flown over uncongested areas.
	light-sport aircraft	2	Template:Convert; Template:Convert for seaplanes.	Daytime VFR	sport pilot certificate	Max. Speed (CAS) in Level Flight Template:Convert Max. Stall Speed Template:Convert Must have fixed landing gear, and a single engine with fixed pitch propeller.

File:Pegasus quantum 15-912 microlight g-byff kemble arp.jpg

Pegasus Quantum 145-912 ultralight trike

File:CTSW N646MA.jpg

Flight Design CTSW

File:PPGInFlight.jpg

A powered paraglider

File:DFEAscenderIIIC01.jpg

A US-made Pterodactyl Ascender ultralight on a camping flight

File:UltraflightLazairSeriesIII.jpg

Canadian Lazair ultralight covered in clear Mylar

File:WikipediaHangmotor.jpg

A foot-launched powered hang glider

Australia

In Australia, ultralight aircraft and their pilots can either be registered with the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA)<ref name="HGFA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> or Recreational Aviation Australia (RA Aus).<ref name="RAAus">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In all cases, except for privately built single seat ultralight aeroplanes,<ref name="CASAUL">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> microlight aircraft or trikes are regulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Canada

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}}

United Kingdom

Pilots of a powered, fixed wing aircraft or paramotors do not need a licence, provided its weight with a full fuel tank is not more than Template:Convert, but they must obey the rules of the air.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

For heavier microlights the current UK regulations are similar to the European ones, but helicopters and gyroplanes are not included.<ref>British Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Types</ref>

Other than the very earliest aircraft, all two-seat UK microlights (and until 2007 all single-seaters) have been required to meet an airworthiness standard; BCAR Section S.<ref>CAP 482 British Civil Airworthiness Requirements Section S - Small Light Aeroplanes, Template:Webarchive, retrieved 8 December 2020</ref> In 2007, Single Seat DeRegulated (SSDR), a sub-category of single seat aircraft was introduced, allowing owners more freedom for modification and experiments. By 2017 the airworthiness of all single seat microlights became solely the responsibility of the user, but pilots must hold a microlight licence;<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> currently NPPL(M) (National Private Pilots Licence).

New Zealand

Ultralights in New Zealand are subject to NZCAA General Aviation regulations<ref>Civil Aviation Rules, Accessed 1 October 2022</ref> with microlight specific variations as described in Part 103<ref>Part 103 - Microlight Aircraft - Operating Rules, Accessed 01 October 2022</ref> and AC103-1.<ref>Advisory Circular 103, Template:Webarchive, Accessed 7 October 2021</ref>

United States

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The United States FAA'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. In 2004, the FAA introduced the "Light-sport aircraft" category, which resembles some other countries' microlight categories. Ultralight aviation is represented by the United States Ultralight Association (USUA), which acts as the US aeroclub representative to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Types

There are several categories of aircraft which qualify as ultralights in some countries:

• Fixed-wing aircraft: traditional airplane-style designs.
• Weight-shift control trike: 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.
• Powered parachute: fuselage-mounted engines with parafoil wings, which are wheeled aircraft.
• Powered paraglider: backpack engines with parafoil wings, which are foot-launched.
• Powered hang glider: motorized foot-launched hang glider harness.
• Autogyro: rotary wing with fuselage-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 autorotate or "spin up" thereby creating lift.
• Helicopter: 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.
• Hot air balloon: 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 balloons, while others are regular hot air balloons that carry passengers in a basket.

Electric

Advancements in batteries, motors, and motor controllers has led to some practical production electric propulsion systems for some ultralight applications. 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.<ref name="AvWeb12Apr08">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2007, the first pioneering company in this field, the Electric Aircraft Corporation, began offering engine kits to convert ultralight weight shift trikes to electric power. The 18 hp motor weighs Template:Convert 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 company claimed a flight recharge cost of 60 cents in 2007.<ref name= "AvWeb12Apr08" /><ref name="Technical details">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A significant obstacle to the adoption of electric propulsion for ultralights in the U.S. is the weight of the battery, which is considered part of the empty weight of the aircraft despite efforts to have it considered as fuel.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> As the specific energy of batteries improves, lighter batteries can be used.

See also

• Aerosport (airshow)
• Backpack helicopter
• Jetpack
• Nanolight
• Experimental Aircraft Association
• Recreational Aviation Australia
• United States Ultralight Association
• United States Powered Paragliding Association
• Volksflugzeug