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Ultralight aviation - Wikipedia

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Ultralight aviation

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(Redirected from Ultralight aircraft)

"Ultralight" redirects here. For the style of backpacking, see Ultralight backpacking.

Huntair Pathfinder Mark 1 ultralight

Pegasus Quantum 145-912 ultralight trike

Flight Design CTSW

A powered paraglider

A US-made Pterodactyl Ascender ultralight on a camping flight

Canadian Lazair ultralight covered in clear Mylar

A weight-shift ultralight, the Air Creation Tanarg

K-10 Swift - MKI

Quicksilver MXII

A foot-launched powered hang glider

P and M Aviation Quik GT450 ultralight

Rans S-6 Coyote II, classified as an ultralight aircraft in Belgium

Australian Ultralight Industries Bunyip, 3-axis 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 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 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 take-off weight to 450 kg (992 lb) (472.5 kg (1,042 lb) if a ballistic parachute is installed) and a maximum stalling speed of 65 km/h (40 mph). The definition means that the aircraft has a slow landing speed and short landing roll in the event of an engine failure.^[1]
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 October 2010, the ultralight aircraft fleet made up to 19% of the total civilian aircraft registered. In other countries that do not register ultralight aircraft, like the United States, it is unknown what proportion of the total fleet they make up.^[2] 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

Main article: Recreational Aviation Australia

In Australia Recreational Aircraft fall under many categories,^[3] but the most common category imposes:

A maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 600 kg (1,323 lb) or less (614 kg (1,354 lb) for a seaplane).
A stalling speed under 45 knots (83 km/h; 52 mph) in landing configuration.
A maximum of two seats.

A new certification category for Light Sport Aircraft came into effect on 7 January 2006.^[4] This category does not replace the previous categories, but creates a new category with the following characteristics:

A maximum take-off 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 stalling speed in the landing configuration (Vso) of 45 kn (83 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 (250 km/h) CAS

In either of the above categories, there are distinctions between factory-manufactured aircraft, and kits for amateur-building, as the former have to undergo more rigorous tests of airworthiness.
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)^[5] or Recreational Aviation Australia (RA Aus).^[6] In all cases, except for privately built single seat ultralight aeroplanes,^[7] microlight aircraft or trikes are regulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations.

Brazil

The Brazilian Aviation Regulation (RBHA 103A)^[8] 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 (83 km/h).

Canada

Main article: Ultralight aircraft (Canada)

The Canadian 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.^[9] 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 Annex II of the EU-Regulation 216/2008 (so-called "EASA-Basic-Regulation") based on the Regulation 1592/2002 and this on Joint Aviation Authorities JAR-1 is:^[10]
(e) aeroplanes, helicopters and powered parachutes having no more than two seats, a maximum take-off mass (MTOM), as recorded by the Member States, of no more than:

(i) 300 kg for a land plane/helicopter, single-seater; or
(ii) 450 kg for a land plane/helicopter, two-seater; or
(iii) 330 kg for an amphibian or floatplane/helicopter single-seater; or
(iv) 495 kg for an amphibian or floatplane/helicopter two-seater, provided that, where operating both as a floatplane/helicopter and as a land plane/ helicopter, it falls below both MTOM limits, as appropriate;
(v) 472,5 kg for a land plane, two-seater equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system;
(vi) 315 kg for a land plane single-seater equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system;

and, for aeroplanes, having the stall speed or the minimum steady flight speed in landing configuration not exceeding 35 knots calibrated air speed (CAS);
(f) single and two-seater gyroplanes with a maximum take off mass not exceeding 560 kg;

Italy

In Italy, the category for this class of aircraft is Microlight ("Ultraleggero").

Requires flying with a helmet (only for open cockpit aircraft).
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 (35 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 (35 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 7 May 1998).^[11] It is forbidden to fly over cities.^[12]
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 30 min before dawn till 30 min after sunset, flight must be below 500 ft (152 m)
On Saturday and holidays flight must be below 1,000 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.^[13]

United Kingdom

The UK regulations describe a microlight aeroplane as limited to two people, with a Maximum Total Weight Authorised (MTWA) not exceeding:^[14]

300 kg (661 lb) for a single seat landplane.
390 kg (860 lb) for a single seat landplane for which a UK Permit to Fly or Certificate of Airworthiness was in force prior to 1 January 2003
450 kg (992 lb) for a two seat landplane
330 kg (728 lb) for a single seat amphibian or floatplane
495 kg (1,091 lb) for a two seat amphibian or floatplane

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 (65 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.^[15]
Other than foot-launched microlights, a license is required to fly a microlight in the UK.^{[citation needed]}
In the UK the microlight license is called NPPL (National Private Pilots License). It can be upgraded to a LAPL license with few hours training in Cat A aircraft (Allowing holders to fly any simple single engine aircraft up to 2 tons)^[16]

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 (43 kn)
A maximum level speed of less than 220 km/h (119 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.^[17]

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.^{[citation needed]}

NZ Class 1: Single place aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 510 kg (1,124 lb) (landplanes) or 550 kg (1,213 lb) (seaplanes or amphibians) (since 2012), and a stall speed in the landing configuration at maximum gross weight of 45 knots (83 km/h) or less. Requires aircraft registration, and annual condition inspections, but does not require a permit to fly.^[18]
NZ Class 2: Two place aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 600 kg (1,323 lb) (landplanes) or 650 kg (1,433 lb) (seaplanes or amphibians) (since 2012), and a stall speed at maximum gross weight of 45 knots (83 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.^[18]

Microlights are subject to NZCAA General Aviation regulations^[19] with microlight specific variations as described in Part 103^[20] and AC103.^[21]

Philippines

The Civil Aviation Regulations^[22]^[23] 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 States

Main article: Ultralight aircraft (United States)

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, 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.^[24]^[25]
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.

Types of aircraft

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011)

While ultralight-type planes date back to the early 1900s (such as the Santos-Dumont 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 gliders. 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:

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 parachutes: cart mounted engines with parafoil wings, which are wheeled aircraft.
Powered paragliding: backpack engines with parafoil wings, which are foot-launched.
Powered hang glider: motorized foot-launched hang glider harness.
Autogyro: 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 autorotate or "spin up" to create lift. Most of these use a design based on the Bensen B-8 gyrocopter.
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. Two examples that do are the Mosquito Air and XEL designs from Innovator Technologies, Inc.
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 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 concerns. 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.^[26]
In 2007 Electric Aircraft Corporation began offering engine kits to convert ultralight weight shift trikes to electric power. The 18 hp motor weighs 26 lb (12 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. ^[26]^[27]

Notable microlight/ultralight manufacturers

References

Electric Aircraft Corporation (2007). "ElectraFlyer Technical details". Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. Retrieved 13 April 2008.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ultralight aircraft.

Authority control	GND: 4198286-1

Categories:

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. ISSN 1368-485X

Transport Canada (October 2010). "Summary of the Canadian Civil Aircraft Register - Number of Aircraft by Category of Aircraft - October 2010". Retrieved 12 November 2010.

An overview of the legislative framework enabling sport and recreational aviation Accessed 7 January 2012

Kiehn, Chris (15 July 2013). "Synopsis: the Light Sport Aircraft category". Archived from the original on 8 January 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2013.

Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (n.d.). "The HGFA". Retrieved 25 May 2008.

Recreational Aviation Australia Inc (August 2007). "About the RA-Aus association and our mission". Retrieved 25 May 2008.

Legal Services Group Civil Aviation Safety Authority (July 2007). "PART 200 Aircraft to which CASR do not apply". Retrieved 25 May 2008.

"RBHA 103A regulation, in Portuguese" (PDF). Retrieved 21 September 2009.

Transport Canada (30 December 2007). "Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part I - General Provisions, Subpart 1 - Interpretation". Retrieved 22 March 2009.

Joint Aviation Authorities (1 November 2004), JAR 1, retrieved 7 February 2015

"Law 24 april 1998 n. 128" (in Italian). 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

"Presidential decree 9 July 2010, n.133" (PDF) (in Italian). 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

"Laws and regulations on ultralight aviation in Italy" (in Italian). 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.