Ultralight Options

FLYING Staff

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots who missed the ultralight conversion deadline for Light Sport may still be able to register their aircraft as experimental amateur-built if it was constructed from a kit or plans, provided they have a builder's log and original bills of sale.
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 needing further proficiency, as long as they familiarize themselves with the specific Sport Pilot rules (61 subpart J).

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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?