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Light aircraft is a generic category of aircraft that comprises many official designations in many countries.
Background
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, many people around the world sought to be able to fly affordably. As a result, many Aviation authorities decided to declare artificial definitions of lightweight, slow-flying aeroplanes that could be subject to "light touch" regulation. The definitions used are most commonly called ultralight or microlight, although the actual weight and speed limits are rarely the same between any two countries.
The safety regulations used to approve light aircraft vary between countries, the most strict being the United Kingdom and Germany, while they are almost non-existent in France and the United States. The disparity between regulations is a major barrier to international trade and overflight, as is the fact that these regulations are invariably sub-ICAO, which means that they are not internationally recognised.
In most affluent countries, microlights or ultralights now account for about 20% of the civil aircraft fleet.
Definitions
Australia
Canada
Transport Canada has defined two categories of light aircraft; basic ultra-light aeroplane (BULA) and advanced ultra-light aeroplane (AULA).
Basic ultra-light
Advanced ultra-light
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Microlight
Very Light Aircraft
United States
The Federal Aviation Administration has defined two categories of light aircraft; ultralights and light-sport aircraft.Ultralight
Regulation of ultralight aircraft in the United States is covered by the Code of Federal Regulations Title 14 (Federal Aviation Regulations) Part 103 or 14 CFR Part 103, which specifies an "ultralight" as a single seat vehicle with an empty weight of less than 254 pounds (115 kg) capable of a top speed of 55 knots (102 km/h), a maximum stall speed not exceeding 24 knots (45 km/h), a fuel capacity of less than 5 US gallons (19 L), and are only allowed to fly during daylight hours and over unpopulated areas. Weight allowances can be made for two-seat trainers, amphibious landing gear, and ballistic parachute systems.
In the United States no license or training is required by law for ultralights, but training is highly advisable.
Light Sport Aircraft
See also
"Light aircraft"