What is the difference between a Basic Ultra Light and an Advanced Ultralight?

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Ultralight:
– No more than 2 seats. (The second seat can only be occupied by an instructor or another pilot)
– Maximum take off weight does not exceed 1200 lbs (544kg).
– Stall speed in the landing configuration not greater than 39 knots (45 mph) indicated airspeed at the maximum take-off weight.
– Must comply with a minimum useful load calculation:
     Gross weight minus Empty Weight must be greater than minimum useful load.
For a single seat basic ultralight aeroplane the minimum useful load is calculated as follows:
– ½ engine horsepower + 175 = Calculated minimum useful load
For a two seat basic ultralight aeroplane the minimum useful load is calculated as follows:
– ½ engine horsepower + 350 = Calculated minimum useful load
– You can not carry general passengers in a Basic Ultralight
Advanced ultralight:
– An aeroplane that has a type design that is in compliance with the standards specified in the manual entitled “Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplanes”  see full document here: https://upac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2004_LAMAC_-DS-10141_ULTRALIGHT_DESIGN_STANDARD.pdf
– No more than 2 seats.
– Maximum take off weight of 1232 lbs (2-seat) or 770 lbs for a single seat.
– Stall speed in the landing configuration not greater than 39 knots (45 mph) indicated airspeed at the maximum take-off weight.
– Must comply with a minimum useful load calculation:
     Gross weight minus Empty Weight must be greater than minimum useful load
For a single seat advanced ultralight aeroplane the minimum useful load is calculated as follows:
– ½ engine horsepower + 175 = Calculated minimum useful load
For a two seat advanced ultralight aeroplane  the minimum useful load is calculated as follows:
– ½ engine horsepower + 350 = Calculated minimum useful load
– propeller driven
– limited to non-aerobatic operations
– You may carry general passengers in a Advanced Ultralight if you have the appropriate License, Permit or Rating.  If you have a Pilot Permit Ultralight rating you will also need a Passenger Carry Rating and you will need to comply with additional medical requirements.  See Passenger Carry section for more details.

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