Ultralight aviation (called microlight aviation in some countries) is the flying of lightweight, 1- or 2-seat fixed-wing aircraft. Some countries differentiate between weight-shift control and conventional three-axis control aircraft with ailerons , elevator and rudder , calling the former "microlight" and the latter "ultralight".
15-611: The Preceptor N3 Pup is a family of ultralight , tube-and-fabric , high-wing, homebuilt aircraft . Kits were produced and marketed by Preceptor Aircraft , of Rutherfordton, North Carolina . The company was operating on a limited basis, actively selling plans online, but seems to have gone out of business in 2016. Designed to meet FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles standards, the N3 Pup can accept various lightweight four stroke engines of between 37 and 60 hp (28 and 45 kW). If built to specifications with minimal additions, it can meet
30-558: A flight recharge cost of 60 cents in 2007. A significant obstacle to the adoption of electric propulsion for ultralights in the U.S. is the weight of the battery, which is considered part of the empty weight of the aircraft despite efforts to have it considered as fuel. As the specific energy of batteries improves, lighter batteries can be used. [REDACTED] Media related to Ultralight aircraft at Wikimedia Commons Recreational Aviation Australia Recreational Aviation Australia (abbreviated to RAAus ), formerly known as
45-547: A licence, provided its weight with a full fuel tank is not more than 75 kg (165 lb), but they must obey the rules of the air. For heavier microlights the current UK regulations are similar to the European ones, but helicopters and gyroplanes are not included. Other than the very earliest aircraft, all two-seat UK microlights (and until 2007 all single-seaters) have been required to meet an airworthiness standard; BCAR Section S. In 2007, Single Seat DeRegulated (SSDR),
60-1225: A significant percentage of the global civilian-owned aircraft. For instance, in Canada in February 2018, the ultralight aircraft fleet made up to 20.4% of the total civilian aircraft registered. In other countries that do not register ultralight aircraft, like in the United States , it is unknown what proportion of the total fleet they make up. In countries where there is no specific extra regulation, ultralights are considered regular aircraft and subject to certification requirements for both aircraft and pilot. 2 persons, 622.5 kg (1,372 lb) (600 kg (1,323 lb) without parachute) Stall speed 65 km/h (40 mph) (undefined in Civil Aeronautics Act) Passengers also need permission. Other minister's permissions: Flyable area: uncontrolled airspace over unpopulated areas, within 3 km (2 mi) from departure point and landing at another point forbidden. Aircraft: Must have fixed landing gear, and
75-604: A single engine with fixed pitch propeller. In Australia, ultralight aircraft and their pilots can either be registered with the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia (HGFA) or Recreational Aviation Australia (RA Aus). In all cases, except for privately built single seat ultralight aeroplanes, microlight aircraft or trikes are regulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations. Pilots of a powered, fixed wing aircraft or paramotors do not need
90-640: A sub-category of single seat aircraft was introduced, allowing owners more freedom for modification and experiments. By 2017 the airworthiness of all single seat microlights became solely the responsibility of the user, but pilots must hold a microlight licence; currently NPPL(M) (National Private Pilots Licence). Ultralights in New Zealand are subject to NZCAA General Aviation regulations with microlight specific variations as described in Part 103 and AC103-1. The United States FAA 's definition of an ultralight
105-635: Is significantly different from that in most other countries and can lead to some confusion when discussing the topic. The governing regulation in the United States is FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles . In 2004, the FAA introduced the " Light-sport aircraft " category, which resembles some other countries' microlight categories. Ultralight aviation is represented by the United States Ultralight Association ( USUA ), which acts as
120-685: The Australian Ultralight Federation (AUF), is the governing body for ultralights in Australia. RAAus registers ultralight aircraft and issues pilot certificates through 170 approved flight training facilities under a delegation from the nation's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority . RAAus' stated mission is: "Accessible, safe aviation for all by being an industry leader in developing sport and recreational aviation for
135-661: The US aeroclub representative to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale . There are several categories of aircraft which qualify as ultralights in some countries: Advancements in batteries, motors, and motor controllers has led to some practical production electric propulsion systems for some ultralight applications. In many ways, ultralights are a good application for electric power as some models are capable of flying with low power, which allows longer duration flights on battery power. In 2007,
150-511: The first pioneering company in this field, the Electric Aircraft Corporation , began offering engine kits to convert ultralight weight shift trikes to electric power. The 18 hp motor weighs 26 lb (12 kg) and an efficiency of 90% is claimed by designer Randall Fishman. The battery consists of a lithium-polymer battery pack of 5.6kWh which provides 1.5 hours of flying in the trike application. The company claimed
165-435: The late 1970s and early 1980s, mostly stimulated by the hang gliding movement, many people sought affordable powered flight. As a result, many aviation authorities set up definitions of lightweight, slow-flying aeroplanes that could be subject to minimum regulations. The resulting aeroplanes are commonly called "ultralight aircraft" or "microlights", although the weight and speed limits differ from country to country. In Europe,
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#1732781046913180-540: The requirements for a FAR 103 ultralight aircraft, with an empty weight of 254 lb (115 kg). It may also be built as an amateur-built aircraft or US light-sport aircraft at higher weights. The Pup is designed to be flown cross-country and also can be mounted with floats and skis. The N3 Pup uses tube-and-fabric construction and a conventional 4-cycle engine. The fuselage and tail are welded from 4130 steel tube. There are two main wing configurations that can be built. An aluminum wing spar with hinges allows
195-433: The sporting (FAI) definition limits the maximum stalling speed to 65 km/h (40 mph) and the maximum take-off weight to 450 kg (992 lb), or 472.5 kg (1,042 lb) if a ballistic parachute is installed. The definition means that the aircraft has a slow landing speed and short landing roll in the event of an engine failure. In most affluent countries, microlights or ultralight aircraft now account for
210-484: The wings to be folded for trailering or storage. A wooden wing spar configuration gives the plane a lighter weight, but leaves the wings fixed. The engine cowling is made from fiberglass . The aircraft has had many engine choices available, but was marketed to use the Half VW engine first developed by Global engines, later bought by Mosler engines and finally marketed by TEC engines. The Total Engine Concepts MM CB-40
225-851: Was the last purpose-built engine marketed for the Pup. The aircraft was sold as a partially prefabricated kit or can be built scratchbuilt from plans. The design was also adapted as an autogyro , the Little Wing Roto-Pup . A N3 Pup named "Citabriette" -- modified to look like a Citabria -- won the Grand Champion Ultralight award at the EAA Oshkosh airshow 1988 . Data from Manufacturer's website & Kitplanes General characteristics Performance Avionics Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Ultralight aviation During
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