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The FAA exemptions for two-seat ultralight training granted to USUA, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Aero Sports Connection (ASC) have been amended by FAA to allow weight exclusions for floats and parachutes.

USUA led the effort to include the weight exclusions after an FAA headquarters interpretation was issued stating the weight exclusion language in FAA Advisory Circular 103-7 did not apply to two-seat ultralights operating under the exemption. Discussion between FAA and USUA resulted in FAA’s request for a study and request for appropriate weight allowances to cover existing operations for those two-seat ultralights with parachutes and floats.

USUA contacted major ultralight manufacturers, flight schools and experienced pilots to determine acceptable weight limits for parachutes and floats that would reflect the real-life operational environment. The resulting criteria were drafted into the petition and accepted by FAA as follows:

• Safety Devices Which are Intended for Deployment in a Potentially Catastrophic Situation. Up to 35 pounds of weight associated with the parachute system may be excluded by the FAA without requiring a separate weighing of the system components.

• Floats Used For Landings On Water. Only the weight of the floats and any integral, external attachment points are excluded. All other items associated with attachment of the floats to the airframe are included in the vehicle's empty weight. Up to 70 pounds per float may be excluded by the FAA without requiring substantiation of the float's actual weight.

• Amphibious Floats. Up to 90 pounds per float may be excluded by the FAA. The weight of all attached items associated with the installation and operation of the landing gear is included in the calculation of the dry, empty weight specified in exemption No. [3784, 4274 or 6080].

• Amphibious Fuselage. Where the fuselage is intended to function as a float during water landings, up to 120 pounds is allowed by the FAA to be excluded from the empty weight where the ultralight is capable of repeated water takeoffs and landings. Up to 15 pounds per outrigger float and pylon is also allowed by the FAA.

“FAA has acknowledged the need for larger weight exclusions for two seat ultralight trainers thus ending a debate over what was allowed,” said Tom Gunnarson, USUA Director of Safety and Training. “USUA wishes to thank the industry experts who helped assure the requested exclusions were appropriate and acceptable for today’s ultralight training environment.”

The amended exemption with the new weight exclusions has been sent to all USUA registered instructors.