How to Learn to Fly an Ultralight

An ultralight is a small aircraft flown for recreational purposes. Ultralights may be powered or non-powered. Fixed-wing airplanes, rotorcraft and powered parachutes are all powered ultralights, while hang gliders, paragliders, sailplanes and balloons are unpowered examples.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get training from a certified ultralight flight instructor. Locate these instructors via an online ultralight community such as the EAA (see Resources below).

2. Join a flying club. These clubs will allow you to interact with those who fly ultralights and to observe their operation firsthand. Being a member may also allow you to learn via mentorship and educational seminars. Locate a flying club via USUA, an online ultralight community (see Resources below).

3. Budget your time. You'll need fewer hours of training to learn how to fly an ultralight than you would to get a pilot's license, but there's still some time investment involved. Plan on receiving 10 to 20 hours of ultralight training.

4. Plan your finances. Ultralights can be very expensive and as a hobby, this type of aviation can be just as costly as flying conventional aircraft.

5. Tap the experience of a local instructor or those in a local club before purchasing your ultralight, to get a sense of what to look for and what to avoid. For example, older ultralights may be cheaper, but they may also be obsolete--some are no longer manufactured, and parts aren't available.

Tips & Warnings

• Federal Aviation Authority laws do not require that you get a license or special certification to fly an ultralight. Note, however, that this applies only to single-seat ultralights holding no more than five gallons of fuel. With the exception of those used for training purposes, two-seat ultralights are subject to stricter regulations. If you're piloting a two-seater, you'll need an airman certificate.
• Though you aren't legally required to get training before you fly your ultralight, it's highly recommended that you do so. Flying of any sort can be dangerous without proper knowledge or experience. Evidence suggests that most ultralight accidents stem from pilots who have neglected to receive proper training.
• Understand the limits placed by the Federal Aviation Authority on the operation of your ultralight. By law, ultralights may be only be operated during daylight hours. They may only be utilized for recreation or sport and may not be flown over congested areas. Finally, ultralight pilots must yield right-of-way to other aircraft.

Resources

• Locate a flying club near you at the USUA website
• Find an ultralight instructor at the EAA website