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How to Fly Ultralight Airplanes in Illinois

Ultralight flying offers aviation-enthusiasts an inexpensive alternative to flying regular airplanes. The FAA classifies ultralights as "vehicles" rather than aircraft, but included are all kinds of flying machines such as single place vehicles, which can be small airplanes, powered hang gliders, powered paragliders, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, hot air balloons, and even helicopters. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not heavily regulate ultralight flying, there are communities of enthusiasts in every state, including Illinois, helping register pilots and craft, and provide continuing training for safe adventures into the wild blue yonder.

Instructions

- 1
  Learn your ultralight's weight and specs. According to FAR part 103, an unpowered vehicle (such as a hang glider) must weigh less than 155 pounds, and a powered vehicle must weigh less than 254 pounds to be considered "ultralight." In addition, the vehicle must carry five gallons of fuel or less, have a top speed of 55 knots, and have a power-off stall speed of 24 knots. If the vehicle exceeds these standards, it will be subject to the same standards as an aircraft.
- 2
  Educate yourself of the risks involved in flying an ultralight aircraft. The FAA does not regulate vehicles in this category so it is of the utmost importance that you take your safety into your own hands. Purchase a copy of the "Federal Ultralight Resource Guide" and the "Amateur Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook" for a full explanation of how to build, maintain, test, and fly ultralight vehicles.
- 3
  Join the United States Hang Gliding Association if you plan on flying hang gliders. The USHGA has no authority to enforce safety requirements, and hang gliders are not mandated by law to join the USHGA, but the Federal government has recognized that the USHGA's safety measures have been beneficial. Membership to the USHGA could only help.
- 4
  Complete an FAA-recognized ultralight training program and earn your ultralight pilot wings. The courses are between 10 and 15 hours long, and there are several qualified programs in Illinois.
- 5
  Enrole in the annual Ultralight/Light Plane Safety Seminar hosted by the Illinois Ultralight Advisory Council (IUAC) in conjunction with the Illionois Department of Transportation and other related organizations. An array of guest speakers develop many relevant topics that will keep your skills sharp.

Aviation