Ultralight Flight Instructor FAQs
Climbing into an unfamiliar Ultralight Vehicle with someone you do not know could prove hazardous to your health. So before you go up for that first exciting flight in any aircraft, pull out the checklist and ask these questions.
The first question to ask is "Are you an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or are you an Ultralight Flight Instructor?"
Click here for questions to ask an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
More questions need to be asked of an Ultralight Flight instructor than Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) because there are less regulations and controls placed on Ultralight Flight Instructors. Instructor compatibility is also very important. Some appropriate questions to ask are:
- Is the instructor authorized to give flight instruction and does he or she have a certificate?
- Does the instructor have a copy of the FAA authrozation to proved two-place instruction in ultralights?
- Is the instructor experienced in the type of ultralight you will be flying?
- Can the instructor provide you will referrals to students he or she has soloed?
- Is the two-place ultralight a properly registered training vehicle?
- Are there safety devices installed on the ultralight?
- Is the ultralight you will be flying in safe flying condition?
- Will you be able to solo in this ultralight?
- Is this ultralight trainer protected from the weather when it is not flying?
- Is routine maintenance performed on the ultralight trainer?
- Is a maintenance schedule routinely utilized?
- Are maintenance logs or records kept for all work performed on the ultralight training vehicle?
Several organizations (including EAA, ASC, and USUA) have FAA approval to provide ultralight flight instruction by properly certificated flight instructors.
- ASC - Aero Sports Connection
- EAA - Experimental Aircraft Association
- USUA - United States Ultralight Association
It is not legal for any Ultralight pilot or flight instructor to simply "give rides" in an Ultralight. The instructor must have an FAA authorization which is renewed every two years. 3. Is the instructor experienced in the type of Ultralight you will be flying? Yes or No
Look for or ask about safety items that may include helmets and eye protection, a pilot/passenger restraint system, parachute, strobe lights and/or intercom.
4. Can the instructor provide you will referrals to students he or she has soloed? Yes or No
[Good instructors will be happy to provide references.]
5. Is the two-place Ultralight a properly registered training vehicle? Yes or No
No matter what you may have read or heard before, there is no such thing as a two-place Ultralight that can be flown for recreation.
Two-place powered Ultralight trainers are granted a specific exemption from FAR Part 103 for instructional purposes and must meet certain FAA defined parameters. Check if registration numbers are displayed on the aircraft.
6. Are there safety devices installed on the ultralight? Yes or No
Look for or ask about safety items that may include helmets and eye protection, a pilot/passenger restraint system, parachute, strobe lights and/or intercom.
7. Is the ultralight you will be flying in safe flying condition? Yes or No
Ask the pilot to show you how to conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection of the Ultralight training vehicle.
8. Will you be able to solo in this ultralight? Yes or No
If your instructor will not allow you to solo in the ultralight you are learning to fly, what will you solo in at the completion of your training?
[Often, once you are signed off for solo, you are also ready to purchase your own aircraft and will solo in it.]
9. Is this ultralight trainer protected from the weather when it is not flying? Yes or No
Continuous exposure to the elements leads to the rapid deterioration of an Ultralight unless it is hangared or properly covered and protected from the weather.
10. Is routine maintenance performed on the ultralight trainer? Yes or No
A safe Ultralight is one that is properly maintained. This involves the routine inspection and replacement of worn components.
11. Is a maintenance schedule routinely utilized? Yes or No
The Ultralight flight instructor should utilize a maintenance schedule outlining an airworthiness maintenance program designed for the training vehicle.
12. Are maintenance logs or records kept for all work performed on the ultralight training vehicle? Yes or No
Routine maintenance is of little value if the pilot cannot remember when he or she last changed the spark plugs or replaced the fuel lines! Maintenance records help to ensure
that proper maintenance has been performed in a timely manner.
What If I Get a No Answer to One of My Questions?
If the person wanting to take you up in an Ultralight Vehicle will not answer any of the above questions or if you received a NO response to any one of the items on this checklist, it should entice you to ask more questions! It is simply not safe to fly in any aircraft that is poorly maintained, lacks proper equipment, or may be flown by an under qualified person who is unable (or unwilling) to provide you with any of this information.
Remember, flying is not inherently dangerous, but it can be done dangerously. So to accomplish the fun you're looking for, flying an Ultralight should be taken seriously. Proper training is a must! Competent flight instruction will help ensure your personal safety.
Many thanks to EAA, Experimental Aircraft Association for providing this great checklist.
