dmmartindale (02/17/83)
Transport Canada has issued new regulations to deal with ultralights, and they are significantly different than the U.S. regulations. Some of you may be curious about them. Here is the contents of the Aeronautical Information Circular discussing them. This is not the actual text of the legislation, but a paraphrase of it. Hang Glider "Hang Glider" means a non-powered heavier-than-air aircraft deriving its lift from surfaces which remain fixed in flight, designed to carry not more than two persons and having a launch weight of 45kg (100lb) or less. Ultralight Aeroplane "Ultralight Aeroplane" means a powered heavier-than-air aeroplane designed to carry not more than two persons and having for single place aeroplanes a wing loading of 15 kg/m^2 (3.1 lb/ft^2) or less where the launch weight times the square root of the wnd loading is equal to a value of 390 or less, and for two place instructional aeroplanes a wing loading of 20 kg/m^2 (4.1 lb/ft^2) or less where the launch weight times the square root of the wing loading is equal to a value of 670 or less, the wing loading being calculated using the launch weight plus the occupant(s)' weight of 80 kg (175 lb) per person. An important point is that while the term "ultralight" is used throughout the legistlation as a rulemaking convenience, the term "microlight" is recognized as meaning the same thing. Launch Weight "Launch Weight" means the total weight of a hang glider or ultralight aeroplane when it is ready for flight including any equipment, instrumentation, fuel and oil, but does not include the weight of the occupant(s) or float equipment not to exceed a weight of 34 kg (75 lb). Airworthiness Both hang gliders and microlight/ultralight aeroplanes are exempted from airworthiness requirements, consequently, Certificates of Airworthiness and Flight Permits will not be issued. Registration Ultralight aeroplanes will be required to be registered and to bear nationality and registration marks after March 31, 1983. Hang gliders are not eligible for registration. Procedures for registration have been developed and application forms will be available from Regional Superintendents, Air Regulations after January 1, 1983. Full details of registration procedures and marking requirements will be provided at the time of application. Pilot Licensing A new series of Student Pilot Permits and Pilot Licences have been developed and the standards will be issued shortly as an amendment to the Personnel Licensing Handbook. Pilots of microlight/ultralight aeroplanes will need a licence or permit after the 31st of March 1983. Ultralight Aeroplane Student Pilot Permit Minimum age - 14 years. Medical Declaration Form or Certification by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner. Successful completion of a pre-solo examination prepared and administered by a recognized training organization. All training must be under the supervision and direction of the holder of an Ultralight Aeroplane Commercial Pilot Licence. Permit valid for 60 months. Ultralight Aeroplane Private Pilot Licence Minimum age - 16 years. Medical Declaration Form or Certification by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner. Must complete an approved ground school course. Must complete a DOT examination. Must complete 5 hours flight time including not less than 1 hour as pilot-in-command including 25 takeoffs, circuits, and landings. Licence valid for 60 months. Ultralight Aeroplane Commercial Pilot Licence (Instructors) Minimum age - 18 years. Must complete a 10 hour course of instructional technique. Must have a total of 20 hours flight time on ultralight aeroplanes, including not less than 10 hours as pilot-in-command. Medical Declaration Form or Certification by a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner is required to give ground based flight instruction. Medical Category 3 or higher Licence Validation Certificate No. 26-0055 required to give dual in-flight instruction. Must complete a DOT examination on instructional techniques and practices. Licence valid for 60 months. The Licensing Devision are now conducting instructional technique courses across the country for potential microlight/ultralight instructors in order to establish an initial cadre of instructors. Again, applications for pilot licences or permits may be directed to the Regional Superintendent of Air Regulations after January 1, 1983. Hang Gliders and Ultralight Aeroplane Operating Rules ANO V, No. 24 contains the following operating rules: May be operated day VFR only. Limited to single occupancy, unless dual instruction is being given. Shall not be operated within controlled airspace, or within 5 nautical miles of an airport unless written permission from the airport operator or Air Traffic Control clearance obtained if it is a controlled airport. Occupants must be secured by a suitable restraining means and wear a protective helmet. ======================================================================== Comments on any of this? My knowledge of the U.S. rules is slight, but I believe that ultralight status depends on launch weight and max speed rather than launch weight and wing loading, ultralights are not registered, and no licences are required. Dave Martindale