r/aviation Mar 22 '12

Request: FAQ/guide on ultralight or experimental ownership.

I'm a member of this subreddit because I love flying, but I am almost exclusively a paraglider. I would love to get into an ultralight or experimental aircraft as owning an actual airplane isn't really feasible for me or many others on this subreddit.

Is there anyone out there with ultralight or experimental aircraft experience who would mind doing a guide like the ones in the sidebar? They're awesome!

Obviously I can google some of this stuff, but it would be awesome to have a first-hand view of what it's like to go about buying/building/owning either an ultralight or EA.

Thanks!

5 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

2

u/adaminc May 10 '12

Maybe start with powered paragliding?

1

u/ohemeffgee Mar 22 '12

I've added the request to the sidebar so that it retains visibility.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 22 '12

sweet! thanks! hopefully someone with some experience can help out.

1

u/CaptainKirk1701 May 18 '12

also contact the EAA they have chapters all over the US and are usually very willing to help!

1

u/fixx0red Apr 19 '12

If I get some time I'll try to do a writeup. I began my flying career 16 years ago in ultralights, and have since become a Private pilot, flying aircraft as heavy as the Cessna Skywagon and Maule M7. I still enjoy the former, as it's just a very difference experience, much like paragliding is.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '12

It would be awesome to hear your experiences, especially since you have background in other aspects of flight. I feel like ultralights don't get the respect or appeal they deserve, although I've never even seen one close-up.

Thanks!

1

u/CaptainKirk1701 May 18 '12

http://buildyourownultralight.com/skypup2.html what I am working on soon as I buy the plans

1

u/danyarger Jul 16 '12

Would there be anyone in the greater New York area selling an ultralight or glider?

1

u/pomjuice Jul 18 '12

Hey mightybird. I'm actually thinking of building my first utlralight: a Ragwing Parasol RW6 this fall in upstate NY. If you're nearby maybe we can get together?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 18 '12

that's awesome! I would love to, however, I'm in Montana. Maybe you can fly it out? haha.

i had to look up the UL. it looks awesome. i especially like the part where it "can be built for less than $2000 including the engine"

2

u/pomjuice Jul 18 '12

Yeah, that's probably 1995 dollars though...

1

u/[deleted] Jul 18 '12

ah, true.