FAA, No Changes for Part 103 Ultralights

bydanjohnson

Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 10:08 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A firm deadline of January 31, 2008, was set for two-seat ultralights to transition to Experimental LSA.
Part 103, governing single-seat "Ultralight Vehicles," remained unchanged and celebrated its 25th anniversary, allowing operation without a pilot license, medical, FAA registration, or LSA airworthiness certificate if built to specific parameters.
The Phantom X-1 is cited as an example of a Part 103-compliant ultralight, offering good flight characteristics, an affordable kit price (under $15,000 in late 2007), and the legal option to hire someone for assembly.

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I've just updated a review of the Phantom X-1 (top) for the 11/07 issue of Light Sport and Ultralight Flying magazine. When built carefully to stay within Part (possible even with the 40-hp Rotax 447), it requires no pilot license or medical, no FAA registration, and no LSA airworthiness certificate. — I’ve just updated a review of the **Phantom X-1** (top) for the 11/07 issue of Light Sport and Ultralight Flying magazine. When built carefully to stay within Part (possible even with the 40-hp Rotax 447), it requires no pilot license or medical, no FAA registration, and no LSA airworthiness certificate.

If you fly a two-seat ultralight, I hope you’re aware of a big change just ahead: the January 31, 2008 deadline when you must transition such aircraft to Experimental LSA. Some have acted already. Many have not. FAA says that date is firm and will not change. *** But outgoing FAA Adminstrator Marion Blakey also said “No change to Part 103.” Called “Ultralight Vehicles” (not “aircraft”), this distinction now means something special. The Part 103 rule for single seaters rather quietly counted its 25th birthday in September 2007. This low-key event also celebrates aviation’s simplest rule — the entire FAR can be printed on a single sheet of paper!…and it is still alive and well. *** Examples like the Phantom ultralight have excellent flight characteristics and low prices. In late 2007, a Phantom X-1 kit is less than $15,000 and you can legally pay someone to build it for you. For less than the average price of a new automobile, Phantom is tough, partially enclosed, and very well proven.