Info on ultralights please!

riggs · Post by **riggs** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:00 pm

Hey all, I am from central IN and wanting to get into flying.

I am interested in ultralight aircraft type flying. I have flown in a PPG before and am interested in owning one someday. However I have recently started looking into air Trikes. But there is not much information out there on the questions that I have about them.

Example: I know that your supposed to wait for calm evening conditions for a PPG, is this the same case with a Trike? I've been told the thermals is no good for a PPG in mid day flight, thus why I am asking this.

What are licensing requirements vs. the two?

Which is cheaper to own and which is safer?

Some input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much - Riggs!

CharlieTango · Post by **CharlieTango** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:36 pm

i doubt that you need calm conditions to fly a trike but crosswind landings are a problem because you have no rudder.

i think trikes are all or mostly all 2-seaters and therefore are light sport and not ultralight.

riggs · Post by **riggs** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:08 pm

Can you elaborate on the difference of ultralight vs. light sport?

CharlieTango · Post by **CharlieTango** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:21 pm

off of the top of my head:

ultrlight, or part 103 requires no pilots certificate
limited to:
1-seat
254lbs
67 mph top speed
5 gallons of fuel

light sport has requirements for pilot and aircraft

light sport requires light sport license minimum
driver's license for medical cert minimum
2-seats
1,320lbs
120kts CAS
10,000' ceiling
FAA registration
annual inspections minimum