When someone asks me how to get started in ultralight flying, my first advice is to decide what kind of flying they want to do. Fixed-wing airplanes, powered parachutes, and weight-shift trikes offer different experiences. Once you know what interests you, start looking for a flight school or instructor who teaches that type of flying.
Before you attempt to fly anything, get training that relates to what you plan to fly.
That’s where I’d start, even before shopping for an airplane.
Choose the kind of flying you want to do
Picture how you’d like to spend your time in the air. Are you drawn to flying an airplane with a stick and rudder pedals? Does a powered parachute appeal to you? Would you enjoy building your own aircraft as much as flying it?
You don’t need to have every answer yet. But knowing what interests you gives you somewhere to start.
Fixed-wing ultralights look like small airplanes. Designs range from open-frame aircraft to airplanes with enclosed cockpits, and construction can include wood and fabric, aluminum, or composites. Depending on the design, you can build from plans or a kit, or buy a completed aircraft. EAA: Powered Fixed-Wing
Powered parachutes use a flexible parafoil wing above a powered frame, usually with wheels and a seat. Powered paragliders are a related type, commonly using an engine worn on the pilot’s back. Those names sometimes get mixed together, so tell a prospective instructor exactly which type interests you. EAA: Powered Parachutes / Powered Paragliders
Weight-shift trikes combine a wing with a powered carriage. You’ll find both single-seat ultralight versions and two-seat aircraft, but the control system and training path differ from those of a conventional airplane. EAA: Trikes / Weight-Shift
Your choice should also account for what you can access. A type that catches your eye online may require traveling for instruction or finding a different place to fly.
Find training before buying an aircraft
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of flying, look for someone who can teach it.
EAA chapters, aircraft manufacturers, and instructors who work with light aircraft can help you find leads. EAA also publishes separate training resources for fixed-wing ultralights, powered parachutes, and weight-shift aircraft.
When you contact an instructor, ask:
- Do you train beginners interested in this type of aircraft?
- What aircraft will we use for lessons?
- How does that aircraft compare with the one I want to fly?
- How will you help me prepare to transition into my own aircraft?
- What should I budget for instruction, aircraft use, and any travel?
An instructor’s experience with the kind of aircraft you intend to fly deserves attention. EAA identifies training in lightweight, high-drag aircraft as a specific need, including for pilots moving from conventional airplanes. EAA: The Current Regulatory State of Ultralight Training
If suitable instruction isn’t available nearby, include travel in your plan. Finding that out before buying gives you time to decide what works for your schedule and budget.
Understand what Part 103 allows
In the United States, a vehicle that meets FAA Part 103 can be operated without a pilot or medical certificate. Part 103 also doesn’t set a minimum number of training hours.
Those provisions don’t tell you when you’re ready to fly.
For powered ultralights, the basic limits include:
- A single occupant and use for recreation or sport.
- Empty weight of less than 254 pounds, with specified exclusions for floats and certain deployable safety devices.
- Fuel capacity of no more than 5 U.S. gallons.
- No more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight.
- A power-off stall speed of no more than 24 knots calibrated airspeed.
Part 103 also includes restrictions on airspace, congested areas, visibility, and operating times. The completed vehicle must meet the rules. A model name, advertisement, or seller calling something an “ultralight” doesn’t establish eligibility. Read 14 CFR Part 103
Before buying, understand how the particular aircraft is classified and what that means for you. If it doesn’t qualify under Part 103, get advice about the aircraft and pilot requirements that apply.
Take an introductory flight in a suitable aircraft
An introductory flight can help you decide whether you enjoy the experience before committing to ownership.
Because ordinary Part 103 operations are single-occupant, you won’t simply add an instructor to a single-seat ultralight. EAA points beginners toward similar two-seat aircraft for demonstrations and instruction. The instructor or school should explain the aircraft being used and the training arrangement. EAA: Types of Ultralights
Use that first experience to learn about yourself, too. How do you feel in the cockpit? Can you reach the controls comfortably? Does the experience match what you pictured?
You’re allowed to change your mind about the type of flying you want to pursue.
Learn on the ground and in the air
Flight training includes time spent studying and talking through decisions, as well as time flying with an instructor.
Expect your training plan to address subjects such as weather, airspace, aircraft inspections, aircraft handling, and preparation for abnormal situations. EAA’s beginner guidance calls for both ground and flight instruction, with study materials selected alongside your instructor.
Avoid planning around a promise that everyone can be ready in a set number of lessons. Your progress, the aircraft, and the consistency of your training will shape the schedule.
A short introductory flight gives you a taste of flying. Your training needs to carry you much further, to the point where you can make decisions and operate the intended aircraft with the skills your instructor has helped you develop.
Budget for the whole experience
The aircraft purchase is one part of the cost.
Before committing, get estimates for training, travel, storage, transportation, and the work needed to put the aircraft into service. Then think about fuel, maintenance, and replacement parts.
You also need somewhere suitable to fly. Confirm access with the airport or property owner, and discuss the site with your instructor. A nearby patch of grass isn’t enough information to plan an aircraft purchase around.
Our ultralight aircraft cost guide walks through a Mini-Max build budget and the expenses that sit outside the basic estimate. Use it as a starting point, then get prices for your own aircraft, equipment, and location.
Keep training in the budget from the beginning.
Decide whether you want to build or buy
Building appeals to people who want to take part in creating their airplane. Buying a completed aircraft may appeal to someone whose main goal is getting into ownership sooner.
Both choices deserve a close look.
For a kit, review what’s included, what you’ll need to buy separately, and the workspace and time the project will require. For a completed aircraft, arrange an inspection by someone qualified and familiar with its construction, engine, and condition.
With either option, check how the aircraft fits your training plan before you commit.
If you’re interested in building a fixed-wing airplane, you can compare Mini-Max models and review the plans and kit options. Start with your flying goals and work toward a suitable configuration.
Prepare for solo flying with your instructor
Your first solo flight should follow a training plan developed with an instructor who understands what you’ll be flying.
Discuss how you’ll transition from the training aircraft, how the aircraft’s condition will be checked, and how you’ll assess the flying site and weather. Keep the conversation going after that first solo. EAA’s guidance includes additional instruction based on the pilot’s progress and comfort level.
If building a Mini-Max is part of your plan, tell us what kind of flying you want to do, where you expect to fly, and whether you’ve found instruction. We can help you work through the aircraft and kit choices.
Start with the flying you want to do. Find the training to support it. Then choose your airplane.