Many operations have also taken place over congested areas and spectators and into adverse weather conditions in which operations may be conducted by pilots and aircraft which are qualified for instrument flight (IFR conditions). The vehicles are routinely operated, without authorization, into regulated airspace, such as airport traffic areas, terminal control areas, positive control areas, and prohibited and restricted areas. The operations of these vehicles are now a significant factor in aviation safety. The powered hang gliders now have the capability of sustained flight above 10,000 feet and forward speed exceeding 50 knots. As the result of aerodynamic improvements, many unpowered hang gliders are now capable of extended soaring to altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet above the point of launch and distances of over 100 miles. The increasing performance capabilities of these vehicles, and their greatly increased number, have created a potential hazard to other aircraft and operators, as well as to the ultralight operators themselves. The addition of powerplants and controllable aerodynamic surfaces has created vehicles which can approximate the operational capabilities of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. As a result of those developments, many hang gliding vehicles no longer fall within the scope envisioned by Advisory Circular No. Many models have passenger carrying capability. There is now widespread use of powerplants, landing gear, and movable control surfaces to increase the speed, altitude, and distance capabilities of the vehicles. The advisory circular defined “hang glider” as “an unpowered, single place vehicle whose launch and landing capability depends on the legs of the occupant and whose ability to remain in flight is generated by natural air currents only.” The sport of hang gliding has advanced dramatically since Advisory Circular No. That advisory circular contained recommended safety parameters for the operation of sport hang gliders, in lieu of formal Federal regulation. 60-10, entitled “Recommended Safety Parameters for Operation of Hang Gliders” on May 16, 1974. 20591, telephone (202) 426-3128, or Gary Perkins, General Aviation Operations Branch (AFO-820) Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C. Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C. Should this approach fail to meet FAA safety objectives, further regulatory action may be necessary.įOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Peppard, Airspace and Air Traffic Rules Branch (AAT-220). The ultralight community is expected to take positive action to develop these programs in a timely manner and gain FAA approval for their implementation. The FAA has chosen not to promulgate Federal regulations regarding pilot certification, vehicle certification, and vehicle registration, preferring that the ultralight community assume the initiative for the development of these important safety programs. Right-of-way and minimum visibility rules are also established. The rule governs the operation of ultralight vehicles by specifying the airspace which requires prior authorization of Air Traffic Control (ATC), prohibiting operation over congested areas, and providing for operations during twilight hours with proper lighting. These rules for ultralight vehicles are needed to achieve an acceptable level of air safety by reducing potential conflict with other airspace users and to provide protection to persons and property on the ground. Those vehicles which exceed the above criteria will be considered aircraft for purposes of airworthiness certification and registration, and their operators will be subject to the same certification requirements as are aircraft operators. Both powered and unpowered ultralight vehicles are limited to a single occupant. gallons of fuel must have a maximum speed of not more than 55 knots and must have a poweroff stall speed of no more than 24 knots. To be considered an ultralight vehicle, a hang glider must weigh less than 155 pounds while a powered vehicle must weigh less than 254 pounds is limited to 5 U.S. The rule defines ultralight vehicles in two categories: powered and unpowered. SUMMARY: This amendment establishes rules governing the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States.
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