Ultralight / Ultralight aircraft give the light sports aircraft enthusiast the opportunity to afford to fly. The purpose of this article is to help newcomers to the sport evaluate costs.

Instruction

If you are interested in flying an ultralight / ultralight aircraft, the first thing to do is find a certified instructor in your area. If you can’t find one in your area, you might consider locating one out of state and taking a trip to the area for an express style instruction – 20 hours in 5 days.

Formal flight training in a two-seater plane can cost around $ 3,000. Instruction will include ground school and flight training. Much of the instruction given in the ground school includes information on weather, navigation, engines, safety, and regulations that you can certainly acquire by reading a book on ultralight aviation. If you are only interested in flying a single-location ultralight / ultralight aircraft, you will not need a license in the United States. Your instructor will guide you through your 20 hours of instruction, send you on your solo flight, and then give you an unofficial oky-doky. From there you are on your own. If you are interested in going further, you can obtain a sports pilot’s license.

Ultralight / Ultralight operating cost

Flying an ultralight / ultralight aircraft is quite inexpensive. Although engines are built differently, the average engine burns only 2 to 3 gallons per hour. Jet fuel is a bit more expensive than gasoline for your car, but it won’t cost you too much.

Routine maintenance on an ultralight aircraft is also quite reasonable. You will need to change the engine oil, replace the filter, etc. everything you do for your car. The single biggest expense that ultralight aircraft owners may encounter is the cost of replacing fabric covers on the wings. Direct sunlight can destroy this covering in less than 2 years if left in direct sunlight. If you can find space to hang your plane, it will greatly delay the need to replace this cover.

The largest individual expense, aside from the cost of the plane, is the monthly suspension cost. If you are lucky enough to have space around your house to store your ultralight aircraft, you will save a lot. Rates will vary depending on where you live. In some areas, you may be lucky enough to spend as little as $ 20 per month on suspension fees. If you live in Southern California, you may be spending up to $ 300 a month and consider yourself lucky to have a hanger.