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How to Land an Ultralight Aircraft

Ultralight aircraft have become very popular over the past several years because of their affordability, ease of operation, short distance required for take-off or landing, and because no license is required for operation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not govern single-passenger ultralights, but ultralight pilots must adhere to the strict safe operating practices established by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 103. FAR 103 specifies a powered "ultralight" as a single seat vehicle of less than 5 gallons fuel capacity, an empty weight of less than 254 pounds, a top speed of 55 knots (64 mph), and a maximum stall speed not exceeding 24 knots (27.6 mph). Ultralight aircraft are restricted to flying only during the daylight, and cannot fly over populated areas.

This article gives basic steps for landing an ultralight, but it is for informational purposes only. You should train with an experienced pilot or school before flying.

Things You'll Need

Ultralight aircraft
Helmet
Landing strip

Instructions

- 1
  Best landing conditions for an ultralight aircraft include a dry, level landing strip of 200 feet or more on a slight incline. Additionally, a low temperature and elevation, and a constant headwind of fair velocity are ideal.
- 2
  To land an ultralight aircraft:
  Begin circling for landing
  Check landing strip for obstructions before descending to less than 1,500 ft
  Check windsock for wind direction
  Perform cockpit check
  Decrease speed to recommended approach speed
  Descend to 450-500 ft
  Align wings level with ground
  Landing gear down
  Slow descent and forward speed in anticipation of touchdown
  Your landing distance is the total distance required to clear an imaginary 50-foot high screen at the beginning of the airstrip
  Substantially reduce the rate of descent and reduce thrust to zero
  Flare - push both steering arms all the way forward just before contact with the ground, slowing down forward speed and descent speed
  Touch down gently
  The ground roll following the touchdown is affected by the landing surface texture and the incline
  Apply brake at the rate to stop the aircraft safely
  Taxi off the runway
  Park the ultralight
  Turn off the engine
  Disembark
- 3
  This article gives basic steps for landing an ultralight, but it is for informational purposes only. You should train with an experienced pilot or school before flying.

Aviation