Ultralight Options

FLYING Staff

Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Owners who missed the deadline to convert ultralights to Light Sport aircraft may still pursue experimental amateur-built certification for plans-built or kit-built aircraft, provided they have a builder's log and, for kits, a bill of sale; however, simply "rebuilding" an existing ultralight does not qualify.
Sport Pilots face no distance limitations, but are restricted to a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet MSL and are prohibited from flying at night.
Current CFIs can instruct Sport Pilot candidates within their existing certificate's category and class without further proficiency, but must become familiar with the Sport Pilot rules (61 subpart J).

See a mistake? Contact us.

Each month, Flying answers questions about the new Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft Rule with assistance from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the authority on the opportunities available within the category commonly known as “Sport Pilot”.

Q: Help! I missed the January 31 deadline for submitting an application to convert my two-place ultralight to the Light Sport category. I know I can no longer do that, but what options do I have?