Non-pilot getting started in ultralights
I've been fighting the urge to write this, hoping that I could "wing it" on my own, but apparently the time has come to man up and ask for help from the masses.
After weeks of research on the new-to-me subject of part 103 ultralights, I have narrowed my choices down to a Quicksilver Sport or Spirit. I sent an email to Ultralight of Iowa requesting information on said aircraft, but have yet to hear back (hopefully they're staying busy.)
Really hoping someone here can help me out with a "this is what ya gotta do"... From ordering an aircraft, and getting it home, to finding general flight instructions (no UL flyers that I know of in the area).
The whole ordeal has become slightly overwhelming (to the point of hardly knowing what questions to ask), and I really don't want that to deter me from my goal of flight.
Any help you knowledgeable folks could offer up would be greatly appreciated.
Bryan
How to Get Into Ultralight Flying
Quote:
Originally Posted by
arrowheadHD
As far as design, 3-axis would be preferred, followed closely by weight-shift, with 2-axis bringing up the rear. ...Though I think just about any 103 legal UL that has been well taken care of would fit the bill if the price was right, and I could find training for it.
arrowheadHD-I think we need to back up a bit and find more out about your current situation. That'll help us provide you useful information. Here are some questions I have:
1. Why is it you want to get into flying ultralights as opposed to anything else that can get you in the air [from a hang glider to a Cessna]? What is it about ultralight flying that attracts you? [This could range from "I like the open cockpit feel", "I see a group flying at my local airport a lot", "I like to work on things", etc. etc. etc.]
2. What is your flying experience. Ever taken a GA lesson, for instance?
3. What is your budget? How much can you generally spend on an ultralight?
4. Do you have a place to keep it and fly it already? [In many areas of the country that is the tougher thing to solve than figuring out how to get enough training to be able to get yourself into flying your own ultralight or determining which ultralight to buy.]
My experience is that there are other elements about owning an ultralight [e.g. one's budget, where to keep it, where to fly it] that will determine which ultralight will be best for a particular pilot.
But I really think rather than "Quicksilver 101", you may want to change the title of your original post to "A Non-Pilot Getting Started in Ultralights".
As others have said, "Ultralights" can be anything from the solid Quicksilver MX I bought recently for $2K to stuff that will cost you north of $20K. All of them will get you off the ground.
My final thought is to think about approaching this in stages. An ultralight suitable for a "newbie" now. You'll own and fly that for a while and then sell it at some point when you want something less "entry level". Or when you have a better feel for what kind of flying you do.
-Buzz
Finding A Place To Fly Your Ultralight
My experience is that this can be a very BIG barrier for anyone wanting to fly a fixed wing ultralight.
And it is even mores for a non-pilot wanting to get into ultralight flying that is also new to his/her local aviation community.
What kind of tips do people have on solving this particular challenge for someone wanting to to start flying ulralights?
-Buzz