Ultralight Vehicles

An ultralight aircraft [Figure 1-20] is referred to as a vehicle because the FAA does not govern it if it:

• Is used or intended to be used by a single occupant.

• Is used for recreation or sport purposes.

• Does not have an airworthiness certificate.

• If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds.

• If powered, weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices that are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation.

• Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 gallons.

• Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight.

• Has a power-off stall speed, which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated airspeed.

Ultralight vehicles do not require any form of pilot license or certification if they are flown within 14 CFR 103 operating rules which generally limit the ultralight vehicle to uncontrolled airpsace and no flight over populated areas. Every person flying an ultralight should be familiar to the rules specified in 14 CFR 103.

Figure 1-20. A typical ultralight vehicle, which weighs less than 254 pounds.