ultralight license requirements

Do I need a License to Fly an Ultralight?

A true single seat ultralight requires no license to fly (assuming it meets the requirements of Part 103 for an ultralight aircraft).

Any two seat "ultralight" or Light Sport type aircraft requires a Sport Pilot Certificate or higher to fly.

Will I Need a Medical Certificate?

No. A valid U.S. driver's license will satisfy physical eligibility requirements for the Sport Pilot certificate.

What Airplanes Will I be Able to Fly?

You will have many options. A Sport Pilot will be able to fly any aircraft that meets the definition of a Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA). In the current proposal, a LSA is defined as a two-place, single-engine aircraft with:

Light Sport Aircraft Specifications:

A maximum gross takeoff weight of 1,232 pounds or less.

A maximum stall speed of 44 mph in the landing configuration AND a maximum stall speed of 51 mph with flaps retracted, if so equipped.

A maximum speed in level flight of 132 mph.

A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller.

A fixed landing gear, with the exception that seaplanes may have landing gear that can be rotated for amphibious operation.

If you hold a Sport Pilot certificate, you will be able to fly an aircraft that meets the above definition, regardless of the type of airworthiness certificate that particular planes is issued.

What Types of Airworthiness Certificates Will Be Issued?

Experimental Light Sport Aircraft	Light Sport Aircraft sold in a kit form, and used for personal recreational flight or personal flight training. The aircraft kit could be as much as 99-percent completed, with the owner only having to add placards or other minor parts.
Special Light Sport Aircraft	Light Sport Aircraft that are sold ready-to-fly, and can be used for flight training, rental, or personal flight, including personal flight instruction.
Experimental	An Experimental aircraft is an amateur-built aircraft that the owner has constructed a minimum of 51%.
Standard	Ready-to-fly aircraft that are type-certificated in accordance with FAR Part 43.
Primary	Ready-to-fly aircraft that are type-certificated in accordance with Primary category regulations of the FAA.

How do I Transition my 2 Seat Ultralight Trainer to an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft?

The deadline for transitioning a 2 seat Ultralight Trainer to an E-LSA has passed (on January 31, 2008). There are a few limited exceptions allowing for an extension. Please email us if you need additional information.

Will the Sport Pilot Category Replace Part 103?

No. Part 103 (single seat ultralights) is not affected by the proposed Sport Pilot rule. All 2 place ultralight type aircraft (including those currently used for ultralight instruction) will be governed by the Sport Pilot rule.

If I have a Private Pilot Certificate, Can I Fly a Light Sport Aircraft?

Yes. A pilot who holds a private pilot certificate, or higher, may elect to fly either a Special Light Sport Aircraft or an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft while exercising the privileges of his/her private pilot certificate.

Where Can I get More Information?

EAA also maintains an excellent website pertaining specifically to the Sport Pilot (and Light Sport Aircraft) proposal. Complete details can be seen at www.sportpilot.org.