Buying Your First Ultralight
Aviation enthusiasts come into the Canadian Ultralight Community from a wide variety of backgrounds. The majority are not just young adults just starting out in aviation. They are folks with established lives who have always had a passion or an interest in flying. Some people come from the remote-controlled model community, some from the General Aviation/commercial world looking for a more affordable flying experience.
Buying an ultralight aircraft in Canada requires an understanding of licensing, registration, and aircraft types. Ultralights may be flown with an Ultralight Pilot Permit, or a higher category license like a Recreational Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence. You’ll also need to register the aircraft, which can be either a Basic or Advanced Ultralight depending on its features. Prices for ultralights range from $5,000 to $60,000, with kit-built options available at varying price points.
Licensing and Registration:
Licensing:
In Canada, you’ll need a valid ultralight pilot permit or a higher category license to fly.
Registration:
Ultralights are registered with Transport Canada as either Basic or Advanced, depending on seat capacity, takeoff weight, and stall speed. Canadian ultralight aircraft have CI registration letters. You can check the Canadian ultralight register with Transport Canada
https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/ccarcs-riacc/RchSimp.aspx
Types:
Ultralights fall into the category of aeroplanes under the regulations. As a result, gliders, helicopters, and autogyros cannot be ultralights in Canada.
There are two main types: Basic (one or two seats, max takeoff weight 1200 pounds) and Advanced (one or two seats, max takeoff weight 1232 pounds).
Cost:
Basic Ultralights: Can be found in the $5,000 to $15,000 range, especially used models.
Kit-Built: DIY kits can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $30,000. The manufacture will provide an estimated build time for their kits (in my experience, multiply that estimate by about 3x). Build time ranges dramatically; a group of retired chaps with all the tools and shop space can turn out an ultralight kit in 8 month, if you are solo doing it part time it may take a lot longer, talk to other builders. Be realistic.
Advanced Ultralights: New, advanced models can range from $25,000 to $60,000.
Considerations for Buying:
What is Your Requirement:
Ultralight flight performance is wide ranging. From the powered paramotors where you can fly around the patch in the calm of the early morning or evening, to cross country capable machines with a 100mph cruise speed. Knowing what you want to do before-hand is fundamental to a successful purchase of your first ultralight. Anticipate that you are just starting a journey. Your first ultralight will allow you to become familiar with light flight and maybe a bridge to more advanced ultralight or certified types. If you are just starting out don’t buy more aircraft than you can handle. Are you looking at an existing project aircraft that you will rebuild, or something currently flying – or a kit? All of these have knock-on effects in terms of time and resources – whether that be financial, workshop space, tools or hangar space.
Manufacturer Research:
Look for manufacturers with a history in making ultralights and whether they are still in business, firms like Zenair, Aerolite, Denny, Quad City Ultralight. Companies that have been in business for decades have a network of dealers, builders and available resources.
Use Subject Matter Experts:
The ultralight community differs from General Aviation in that the majority of the pilots are also builders/maintainers of their own aircraft. This makes many folks very knowledgeable about the mechanics of their particular machine. Leverage the knowledge of these folks when you have found an aircraft that meets your requirements. Take them with you when you go to look at a used ultralight or just chat with the owner of the type you are interested in.
Kit-by-Section Programs:
Some manufacturers offer a “kit-by-section” program, allowing you to purchase parts over time as needed.
Engines:
Ultralights come with a wide selection of powerplants. Many earlier generation ultralights are powered by 2-stroke motors such as the Rotax 447/503/582 series. 2-Stroke motors burn more fuel, are carburetor setting sensitive, with shorter overhaul times than 4 stroke engines. However, they provide excellent power to weight. Four-stroke engines are typically much more expensive, heavier and costlier to maintain, but are often considered more reliable. Talk to a subject matter expert about the engine and have that individual look over that engine. After all, you may be parked behind it in the near future. Engines from hangar queens need to be overhauled and that cost needs to be factored in to your estimate.
Ultralight Aircraft History:
Ensure the aircraft model meets the requirements for registration as an ultralight, and confirm the details like approved weights and configurations with the manufacturer. Basic ultralights by definition do not have to have log books. Advanced ultralights do. Owners who follow best practises will have a log book that you can review.
Ultralight aircraft represent the most affordable path to the skies in Canada, which is why this fleet of aircraft continues to grow. Many excellent aircraft are available for reasonable price and many projects are available as well whether new kits or re-builds. Seek out owners of the type you are interested in, contact UPAC Directors or your local airfield there are lots of folks in the community that are willing to help you kick the tires.
Operating Your Ultralight
Where will You keep it?
A large percentage of fixed wing ultralights are fabric covered. Fabric aircraft are very strong and light but the trade off is open-air storage. Prolonged exposure to UV and weather effects will significantly reduce the life of fabric covered surfaces. Ultralights by their inherent name are light weight and are more susceptible to severe weather. Flex wing trikes and powered para motors, para gliders, and some folding wing fixed wing ultralights have more hangar options. Ultralights by their smaller size and ease of movement can be easily manhandled. This provides flexibility in terms of sharing hangar space with other aircraft. Understand what the local options are as you refine your ultralight aircraft requirements.
Operating Cost:
In general terms, operating an ultralight aircraft is similar to owning a second car. With respect to fuel, ultralight engines can run on regular/premium auto fuel and/or Avgas. Transport Canada requires ultralight aircraft be insured. As a member of UPAC you get access to UPAC’s insurance program. Liability cost is reasonable and mandatory; costs increase depending whether in-motion, and hangar insurance is required. A number of insurance providers are available in Canada.
Where Can You Fly?
You can fly almost anywhere (excluding restricted airspace) in daylight conditions under visual flight rules and provided the aircraft is properly equipped. You must also have the required pilot permit and medical certificate. Please refer to the Pilot Permits and Medical Information panels for more information.
Refer to the following best practice guide for further information on ultralight aeroplane operations:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/general-operating-flight-rules/best-practices-general-aviation/flying-ultralight-aeroplane-operations
Maintaining Your Ultralight:
If your ultralight is registered as an Advanced Ultralight you must adhere to the Manufacturer’s Specified Maintenance Program and complete the manufacturer’s Mandatory Actions in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and time frame.
If your ultralight is registered as a Basic Ultralight the responsibility to maintain the aircraft for continued safe flight rests solely with you the owner of the aircraft. There is no manufacturer responsibility with respect to the maintenance of the aeroplane.
Refer to the following best practice guide for further information on ultralight aeroplane maintenance:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/general-operating-flight-rules/best-practices-general-aviation/flying-ultralight-aeroplane-maintenance