FAR PART 103
Ultralight Regulations
In order to make the best decision, you need all the facts. The
regulations governing ultralight operations have been reproduced here.
These rules of course do not pertain to the experimental Titans which
are covered under Parts 61 and 91 of the FAR's
Arizona Light Aircraft
FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATION
PART 103
This important ruling issued October 4, 1982 is reprinted in its
entirety. Please read it carefully so that you are aware of privileges
and responsibilities provided by the regulation.
The preamble to Part 103 gives the FAA's rationale for the regulation.
It is not included here because of its length; however, the following
excerpt is quoted for emphasis and background:
" "...the best practices and methods to preclude the need for
further federal regulation appear to at least include: self-regulation
and self-policing, safety standards, membership in organizations and
associations equipped to function and operate programs approved by the
FAA, marking and identification of vehicles, programs including
provisions similar to Federal Aviation Regulations relating to aircraft
(both operational and airworthiness), etc.
'FAA will continue to monitor performance of the ultralight community in
terms of safety statistics, growth trends, and maturity and, it
indicated will take additional regulatory actions to preclude
degradation of safety to the general public while allowing maximum
freedom for ultralight operation. In light operator's support and
compliance with national self regulation programs is essential to the
FAA's continued policy of allowing industry self-regulation in these
areas.'
The FAA's intent in this matter is clear: Do it voluntarily or we'll do
it for you.
PART 103-ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES
Subpart A General
Sec. 103.1 Applicability.
This part prescribes rules governing the operation of ultralight
vehicles In the United States. For the purposes of this part. an
ultralight vehicle is a vehicle that:
(a) Is used or Intended to be used for manned operation in the air by a single occupant;
(b) Is used or intended to be used for recreation or sport purposes only;
(C) Does not have any U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate; and
(d) If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds; or
(e) If powered:
(1) Weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices which
are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation;
(2) Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons;
(3) Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power In level flight; and
(4) Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated airspeed.
See. 103.3 Inspection requirements
(a) Any person operating an ultralight vehicle under this
part shall, upon request, allow the Administrator, or his
designee, to inspect the vehicle to determine the applicability
of this part.
(b) The pilot or operador of an unralight vehicle must, upon
request of the Administrator, furnish satislactory evidence that
the vehicle Is subject only to the provisions of this part.
Sec. 103.5 Waviers
No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part
except under a written waiver issued by the Administrator.
Sec. 103.7 Certification and registration.
(a) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to certification of aircraft or their parts or equipment, ultralight vehicles and their component parts and equipment are not required to meet the airworthiness certification standards specified for aircraft or lo have certlicates of airworthiness.
(b) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to airman certification, operators of ultralight vehicles are not required to meet any aeronautical knowledge, age, or experience requirements to operate those vehicles or to have airman or medical certificates.
(c) Notwithstanding any other section pertaining to registration and marking of aircraft, ultralight vehicles are not required to be registered or to bear markings of any type.
Subpart B-Operating Rules
Sec. 103.9 Hazardous operations.
(a) No person may operate any ultralight vehicle In a manner that creates a hazard to other persons or property.
(b) No person may allow an object to be dropped from an ultralight vehicle I such action creates a hazard to other persons or property.
Sec. 103.11 Daylight operations.
(a) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except between the hours of sunrise and sunset.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, ultralight vehicles may be operated during the twilight periods 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset or, In Alaska, during the period of civil twilight as defined in the Air Almanac, if:
Sec. 103.13 Operation near aircraft; right of-way rules.
(a) Each person operating an ultralight vehicle shall maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid aircraft and shall yield the right-of-way to all aircraft.
(b) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle In a manner that creates a collision hazard with respect to any aircraft.
(c) Powered ultralights shall yield the right-of-way to unpowered ultra lights.
Sec. 103.1 5 Operations over congested areas.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons
Sec. 103.17 Operations In certain airspace.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over that airspace.
(Revised Sec. 103.17 effective September 16, 1993)
Sec. 103.19 Operations in Prohibited or restricted areas.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle In prohibited or restricted areas unless that person has permission from the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
Sec. 103.20 Flight Restrictions in the proximity of certain aareas designated by notice to airmen.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle In areas designated In a Notice to Airmen under Sec. 91.143
or Sec. 91.141 of this chapter, unless authorized by ATC.
(Sea 103.20 was amended by changing the cross reference 'Sea 91.102 or Sec. 91.104' to read 'Sec.
91.143 or Sea 91.141', effective August 18, 1990)
Sec. 103.21 Visual reference with the surface.
No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except by visual reference with the surface.
Sec. 103.23 Flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements.
This section has not been included due to space constrains. Basically you have to stay well clear of the clouds.
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