Fixed-wing ultralights have rigid wings that are a structural part of the aircraft and remain stationary in flight to provide lift and stability. Ultralights must be registered with Transport Canada, but Transport Canada does not test or certify the quality of ultralight design or construction.

There are two categories of fixed wing ultralights.

Basic Ultralight Aeroplanes (BULA):

BULAs have a maximum take-off weight of 544 kg (1200 lbs). They may have one or two seats, and they must have a stall speed of 39 knots or less.

BULAs are not required to be manufactured to any design standards. Transport Canada strongly recommends that, in the interest of safety, Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane manufacturers use “aviation accepted” design criteria, materials and practices. BULAs may be built from an original design, purchased as a kit from an ultralight aeroplane kit manufacturer or be a combination of these two possibilities.

The responsibility to meet the design specifications and maintain the aircraft for continued safe flight rests solely with the owner of the aircraft. There is no manufacturer responsibility with respect to design specifications and maintenance of the aeroplane.

Owners of BULAs can do all the work themselves. There is no requirement to keep records of any work done.

BULAs cannot be used to carry passengers. However, they can be used for training. Helmets must be worn. Since BULAs are not required to have instruments, they are restricted from controlled airspace, except control zones with prior approval.

Advanced Ultralight Aeroplanes (AULA):

AULAs have a maximum take-off weight of 559 kg (1232 lbs). They may have one or two seats, and they must have a stall speed of 39 knots or less.

AULAs must conform to the design standards of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association of Canada (LAMAC). Manufacturers must provide their design, technical specifications, drawings, calculations, maintenance program, etc. to Transport Canada in what is called a Declaration of Compliance. Transport Canada has a list of ultralight aeroplanes that are eligible to be registered as AULAs. If an ultralight aircraft type is on this list, it may be registered as an Advanced Ultralight. This has to be done at the time of initial registration and the words “advanced ultralight” will be on the Certificate of Registration. If those words are missing, the aircraft is not an AULA; it is a basic ultralight. If the paper trail of conformity from the manufacturer to the current owner is not in place, the aircraft has to be registered as a basic ultralight. Check with the manufacturer and with Transport Canada for more information. AULAs may be purchased as a kit or a complete aeroplane.

Each specific aeroplane that is registered as an AULA must have a Statement of Conformance from the manufacturer that essentially says the plane has been built as per the design using the proper parts and techniques and has not been modified.

Owners of AULAs must adhere to the manufacturer’s specified maintenance program and complete any manufacturer’s mandatory actions in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and time frame.

Owners of AULAs can do all the work themselves and must maintain appropriate records for the aeroplane which must include scheduled maintenance, mandatory actions, modifications, and accident repairs. Only modifications approved by the manufacturer are permitted.

If the owner wants to sell their aeroplane as an AULA they must confirm they have not made any unapproved modifications to the aeroplane and have done all the required maintenance and repairs in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This is documented on a “Fit for Flight” form.

AULAs are allowed to carry passengers as long as the pilot has the required license/rating (see the panel on permits for more information). Helmets are not required to be worn. If the AULA meets the Day VFR Equipment requirements (CARs 605.14), it is allowed access to controlled airspace.