The freedom to fly, whether general aviation, light sport aircraft, or ultralights, involves a personal responsibility to practice safety on the ground, as well as in the air, and to observe local, state and Federal rules and regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the national airspace system. This also includes pilot and aircraft requirements for the various classes of aircraft. The states control airport construction, maintenance, and operation. In addition, some states have laws concerning insurance requirements. Some local and county governments have ordinances that mandate where and when general aviation and air sport activities may take place.

Based on experience and ongoing communication with these various agencies, USUA provides information and assistance to its members concerning the various rules and regulations. We believe that a basic understanding of these regulations is essential to becoming a good pilot.

FAR Part 103 (Ultralight Vehicle)

All FAA regulations
FAR Part 1 (14 CFR 1) (Definitions and abbreviations)
FAR Part 61 (14 CFR 61) (Certification: Pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors)
FAR Part 91 (14 CFR 91) (General operating and flight rules)

There are several regulatory options available to ultralight owners, each offering unique privileges andlimitations. Differing amounts of effort are required to achieve and maintain the option you choose. Ultralightsfall under two basic sets of rules; either ultralight rules (Ultralight Vehicles) or General Aviation rules(Ultralight Aircraft). The following overview highlights basic options that come closest to programs envisionedappropriate and reasonable for those who wish to fly for fun. Detailed rules for each option are located inFAA and industry publications.

Flying Under Ultralight Rules (FAR Part 103)

FAA further states, "...it should be emphasized that the individual ultralight operator's support andcompliance with national self-regulation programs is essential to the FAA's continued policy ofallowing industry self-regulation in these areas."

Vehicle Requirements

FAA does not require ultralights to have any proof of airworthiness. It is the responsibility of the owner to make sure the ultralight is safe to fly. Publications such as the "Federal Ultralight Resource Guide" and the "Amateur Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook", available in the USUA Flying Store, provide explanations of how FAA defines an ultralight. These publications cover all phases of preparation and of flight testing for newly constructed non-production aircraft.

Ultralight vehicle registration is available through USUA. Download a registration application from the Forms section.

Pilot/Instructor Requirements

FAA does not certify ultralight-specific pilot knowledge and proficiency, but it expects pilots to complete training under an FAA-recognized program. By earning your ultralight pilot wings, this confirms your ultralight-specific knowledge and proficiency. Ultralight pilot flight instruction time averages 10 to15 hours, prior to solo flight. A current list of FAA-recognized USUA flight instructors can be found in our instructor list.

Flying Under General Aviation Rules (Part 61 & 91)

Aircraft Requirements

FAA requires that all aircraft be registered with FAA and have a current airworthiness certificate (FAAinspection required). FAA also requires regular inspections that must be performed by an FAA authorizedmechanic or original builder.

In 2004, the FAA authorized a new aircraft certification option, named "Light Sport Aircraft". Light Sport Aircraft, are simple, low performance, low energy aircraft including airplanes, gliders, gyroplanes, balloons, airships, weight shift control (trikes), and powered parachutes. These planes can have one, or two seats, and can have a maximum weight of 1320 lbs. For more information, see our Sport Pilot web page.

FAA requires you to build the majority (at least 51%) of the plane solely for educational or recreationalpurposes (FAA inspection required). The Amateur Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook,available through USUA, covers all phases of preparation and flight testing of newly constructednon-production aircraft. Order the handbook in the USUA Flying Store.

In recent months FAA has encouraged certificationof trikes (analogous with a sailplane with a motorreferred by FAA as a "self-launch glider") in theexperimental category as "amateur built-glider." When obtaining certification for a glider-trike, oneneeds to request the glider designation of their FAAAirworthiness Inspector or Designated AirworthinessRepresentative (DAR).

Buy a ready-to-fly plane designed, tested and built by an FAA-authorized manufacturer. The Sportplaneclass under Primary Category limits aircraft to two seats, a weight of 1,200 pounds and a stall speed of 39knots. FAA does not allow trikes and powered parachutes in this certification category. Despite numerousmanufacturer’s attempts, only the Quicksilver GT 500 has made it through this FAA process.

FAA Pilot Certificate Requirements

All FAA pilot certificates require minimum flight instruction and solo flight time, minimum age limits, medicalcertification and successful completion of written, oral and flight tests by FAA inspectors of FAA designees. Ifyou already hold an FAA private pilot certificate you may already have all you need.

The holder of a Sport Pilot license, may operate a plane that meets the definitions of a Light Sport Aicraft (1320 lbs max, 2 place max, etc). Minimum flight instruction and solo flight time 20 hours withmost of other Private Pilot requirements applying including a minimum age of 17. For a short time, FAAproposes experience credit for participating in an FAA-recognized ultralight training program. FAA writtenand flight tests would be required.

The holder of a Recreational Pilot certificate may carry one passenger in an aircraft up to the size of aCessna 172. Minimum flight instruction and solo flight time is 30 hours with most of other Private Pilotrequirements applying including a minimum age of 17 and a third class medical certificate. In addition, FAAlimits this certificate to only FAA certificated airplanes and rotorcraft, and only flying during daytime. Lessthan 300 folks have this certificate. Most go straight to Private Pilot.

USUA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

No matter what ratings you hold, no matter what type of ultralight you fly, as a pilot in America you will facepublic policy issues and government regulations more often than the average citizen. And, often, your abilityto fly can be affected!

USUA is working full-time to make sure pilots have their say. As a member, you have the nation's most activeultralight aviation advocates representing your interests year round in Washington, D.C. and before a broadrange of government agencies, including FAA. USUA stands up for ultralight aviation on airspacerestrictions, proposed certification of pilots and vehicles, unnecessary airworthiness requirements—everyvital issue facing ultralighters today.

USUA members have said over and over, loudly and clearly, that the current privileges under FAR Part 103should be indefinitely maintained by FAA. On it's members behalf, USUA has taken this message to FAA andstood behind it during the ongoing FAA ultralight rulemaking project to protect the freedoms enjoyed byAmerican ultralighters.

USUA's elected regional representatives keep states covered and monitor local communities, too. Whether itis a possible ban of ultralights at a local airport or the imposition of discriminatory or illegal fees, USUAprotects and defends ultralight interests. Regional Representatives are hard working volunteers who devotetheir personal time and resources to help foster understanding and cooperation within their region.

If your right to fly for fun is threatened, USUA will swing into action toprotect your freedom. You can make a difference by joining the nation'sstrongest ultralight membership association.

Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee

The Secretary of Transportation and the FAA Administrator created a Departmental Task Force on FAAReform to recommend improvements that could be made in the operations within the FAA itself and betweenthe FAA and the Office of the Secretary. A subgroup of the Task Force was specifically directed torecommend changes that would improve the rulemaking process concerning safety issues. That subgroupproposed the establishment of an advisory committee to serve as a forum for the FAA to obtain input fromoutside the Government on major regulatory issues facing the agency. The Secretary approved the proposalto establish an advisory committee.

Therefore, the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) was established in 1991 to assist the FAAin the rulemaking process by providing input from outside the Federal Government on major regulatoryissues affecting aviation safety. The ARAC includes representations of air carriers, manufacturers, generalaviation, labor groups, universities, associations, airline passenger groups, and the general public.

FAA asked the ARAC to accept a task to review part 103 and to make a recommendation to the ARACconcerning whether new or revised standards were appropriate. On August 30, 1993, the FAA announcedthe formation of an ARAC Working Group. As part of its task the working group was asked to consider apetition to amend part 103 (Docket No. 25591) that had previously been submitted by the United StatesUltralight Association.

Tom Gunnarson, then acting USUA Executive Vice President, was selected to serve as chairman for the working group. The first meeting took place in Washington, DC in October 1993. Over 25 ultralight manufacturers and organizations, and representatives of general aviation interests and government groups were in attendance. After six-year effort the group provided a recommendation to FAA that became known as "Sport Pilot."