Airplane

An ultralight or microlight is a small, single-seat flying machine. The legal definition varies from country to country. In the United States, as defined in Federal Aviation Regulations FAR Part 103, one weighs less than 254 pounds and has a top speed of 63 miles per hour and carries no more than five gallons of fuel. In practice, many exceed these limits.

There is no mandatory license or registration. Anything that exceeds these limits must be registered and must be flown by a licensed pilot. It is not to be flown over a town. It is not to be flown in clouds, above clouds or at night.

The United States Ultralight Association (USUA) is an organization of pilots and clubs. The organization has an instructor program. There is a monthly magazine called Ultralight Flying.

You also might want to join the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) which includes owners of other types of aircraft as well, including homebuilt aircraft. This is the organization that hosts the big annual air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin every summer. The monthly magazine is Experimenter.

Once you are ready to begin flying, you can buy a new ultralight, buy a used ultralight or build your own from a kit. Whatever path you choose, it is going to cost you a few thousand dollars. If you buy an old model you need to have it inspected by someone who knows what he is doing.

So why do people fly these contraptions? Because it’s recreational flying and fun. The open cockpit and responsive handling make it seem like you are flying a motorcycle through the air. Because they are cheaper than an airplane. Because you don’t have to pass a physical examination.

How high can you fly? With the right engine, you could get above 10,000 feet, but few pilots do. Most stay below 5,000 feet.

You can try an ultralight gyrocopter, but that is an entirely different type of flying machine and requires a lot of instruction.

You also can try a powered paraglider or powered parachute.

If you are concerned about engine failure, you can try a hang glider or a small hot air balloon. An alternative is to get your ultralight a ballistic parachute. Once deployed, your craft should float gently to the ground.

Another option is a hang glider trike. It is a powered ultralight with a hang glider type wing but a tricycle undercarriage. It is popular with beginners.

Before you purchase any of these aircraft, my advice is this. Learn to fly before you buy. Take an introductory lesson. If you like that experience, find a flight program and an instructor. Complete the course of instruction. Only then should you buy an ultralight, buy an airplane or forget the whole thing.