Ultralight Planes



Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006

by Jimmy Sturo

Ultralight aircraft are known as microlights and microlite aircraft in Europe. In Canada they fit into the amateur built aircraft category, or experimental and advanced ultralight aircraft categories. The USUA (U.S. Ultralight Association) is the organization whose members seek to "Promote, Protect and Represent" ultralight aviation in the United States.

The ultralight planes, as the name says, are light in weight, and they look like gliders. They have different landings depending on the features that they possess. Some planes can land on water. These planes are used for instruction and also to give a bird’s-eye view of the world. They weigh less than 254 pounds. For anyone who dreams of soaring in an open aircraft, an ultralight airplane is the best choice as it offers a less expensive and quicker way to experience the joy of piloting.

Ultralights come in a variety of styles depending on the wingspans, plane heights and performance specifications. In general, they are one-person planes with a fixed wing structure and a small two-stroke engine. The engine is located overhead.

But in the case of ultralight planes used for instruction, they have different regulations and can weigh less than 496 lbs. They can have a 10-gallon gas tank compared to the standard one-person planes that have can only have a five-gallon tank.

It takes 10 to 15 hours of flight time to take the lessons to become an ultralight pilot. Students learn with classroom instruction, study materials and in-air flight training. Certification is given after passing written, oral and flight tests.

Although it is not necessary to have a pilot's license to fly, ultralight pilots must have a regular FAA airman certificate and the plane needs to be registered with the FAA and have a federal airworthiness certificate. Several regulations must also be followed when flying, including operating only during daylight hours, no operating over congested areas and rules about flying in controlled and restricted air space.

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