From: GRUNLOH@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu
Subject: Re: FAQ ABOUT ULTRALIGHTS
Organization: C.C.S.O.
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1992 13:48:00 GMT

In article <7150@transfer.stratus.com>
spenny@sw.stratus.com (Steve Pennypacker) writes:
 
>
>In article <1687EBDBB.GRUNLOH@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu>, GRUNLOH@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu writes:
>> -------------------------------
>> Question -2- Are there any regulations on these things?
>>
>> Yes!
>>
>> 4. No flying in controlled airspace (major airports) without explicit
>>    permission from Air Traffic Control (unlikely).
>>
>> should actually read:
>>
>> 4. No flying in any Airport Traffic Area or Control Zone without
>>    explicit permission from the controlling agency.
>> ---------------------------------
>>
>> This usually means no flying within 5 miles of a control tower
>> and you must stay below (usually) 2000 MSL within 10 miles.
>> In any case, no flying anywhere inside the inverted wedding
>> cake that sits on top of every operating control tower.
>> Incidently, I suggest all ultralights stay below 2000 MSL at
>> least 15 miles out in the above example.  I have often seen
>> commercial airliners at the bottom of the layer they intend
>> to enter while still well outside the ATA.
>> ---------------------------------------------------------
>
>Actually, this isn't quite correct either.  I'll follow up with Dan via
>e-mail.  Expect a final version shortly...
>--
>     Steve Pennypacker		     PP-ASEL
>
>     spenny@wiley.ts.stratus.com     Stephen_Pennypacker@vos.stratus.com
 
 
         ------- Follow-up from Dan Grunloh -------
 
 
** Excerpts from Operating Rules for Ultralights (USA)**
 
From FAR 103.17  Operations in certain airspace
 
  No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within an airport traffic
area, control zone, terminal control area, or positive control area
unless that person has prior authorization from the air traffic control
facility having jurisdiction over that airspace.
                    --------------------------
         - I sure wish I had reviewed that paragraph before writing the
           FAQ about ultralights.  My initial version of the airspace
           rule was wrong because *controlled airspace* means something
           specific to pilots.  It would be a handy term to use with the
           general public if it meant what it sounds like it should.
         - I compounded my error with a follow-up which was incomplete
           and included a paragraph of... confused ramblings?
         - Many thanks to all who wrote to me and suggested I review the
           airspace regs (which I have done)....And my spelling !
         - the best short answer for Question #2 Rule #4 about airspace:
 
--
--  No flying in certain airspace around airports with control towers.
--
 
         - Seriously folks, the response to the FAQ was excellent.
           I wrote it on the fly (no pun ?) and would like to add more
           questions that would be typical of newcomers to the sport.
         - Also, now that I found my copy of the regs I would be glad
           to TRY and answer questions about them them correctly.
 
         - For instance;  The FAQ says No Flying At Night... but most
           ultralighters know the rule also gives you 30 minutes extra
           before dawn and after sunset if you have a strobe light that
           is visible for 3 miles. Now that I review the rule I see this
           exception only applies for operations that are conducted in
           uncontrolled airspace!    HOLY COW! .... One of my favorite
           activities is to watch the sunset in my ultralight while I
           am circling over my little airstrip.  After the sun sets, I
           cut the throttle and glide down for a landing (strobe is on).
           Sunday October 11th, I watched the sunset and the moon rise
           at the same time.  Was I ever over 1200 AGL after sunset?
 
           ....I hope not!    (yes, I have an altimeter)
             ....I don't think so.    (at least not this time)
               ....... I've got some friends that don't know this rule!
 
---------------------------------------------------------
Dan Grunloh - Research Specialist in Life Sciences at the
Univ. of ILL. - Rm 222  An Sci Lab  phone (217) 333-2583
Internet: grunloh@vmd.cso.uiuc.edu
 
Newsgroups: rec.aviation.misc