FAQ

A two seat "ultralight trainer" falls under the same regulations as a single seat Part 103 ultralight (meaning no FAA inspection and no private pilot license required to fly it) but it is to be used for instruction only (meaning you can not legally carry a passenger unless you are a recognized ultralight instructor).  You can fly a two place ultralight trainer solo, "under the supervision of your Ultralight Instructor."  The supervision can be logbook entries, each valid for 90 days, indicating the conditions under which the instructor authorizes you to fly solo, and the distances from your home field. 

However, the Part 103 exemption for Ultralight Trainers expires on January 31, 2008.  After that time, all 2 seat ultralight type aircraft must be registered and certificated as Light Sport Aircraft, and you need a Sport Pilot or Private Pilot license to fly it.

If you are a registered Ultralight Pilot (with EAA, ASC or USUA) then the FAA will credit you the required aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and aeronautical experience requirements.   However, the FAA will require you to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and ability to exercise the privilege of Sport Pilot.   To obtain a Sport Pilot license, you must:

·         Be able to read, speak, write and understand English.

·         Be at least 17 years old (16 for glider or balloon).

·         Have either a valid U.S. drivers license OR a valid third class medical certificate.

·         Obtain a notarized copy of your Ultralight Pilot records from the EAA, ASC or        USUA.

·         Successfully pass an FAA Sport Pilot written knowledge test administered by an FAA testing facility.

·         Successfully pass a FAA Sport Pilot practical test which includes oral and flight test administered by a Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE).

Light Sport Aircraft Specifications:

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.

The FAA is allowing all ultralights to obtain an N-Number and airworthiness certificate to become a legal aircraft.   There is no requirement for you to be the original builder, so your ultralight could have been factory built, dealer assembled or built by someone else.  The FAA's goal is to have all ultralights that do not meet the definition of a single seat ultralight convert to an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft.

All two-seat ultralights should be converted to experimental light sport aircraft.  36 months after the effective date of the Sport Pilot rule, the two-seat training exemption will no longer exist.  Two-seat ultralights will become unusable illegal aircraft unless they are converted to an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft..

You should perform the following steps to convert your ultralight to an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft.

·         Apply for an N-Number.  This can be done through EAA.

·         Prepare a weight and balance report for your aircraft if you do not already have one.

·         Install a Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) in all two-seaters, (optional in single seat aircraft).

·         Prepare your ultralight in an airworthy condition, by making sure it will pass an inspection performed in accordance with Advisory Circular 90-89A, Appendix 1.

·         Make an appointment with an FAA airworthiness inspector or a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).  You can call EAA to find the nearest DAR).

·         Have the FAA or DAR inspect your aircraft.