Ultralight Aircraft

An ultralight aircraft refers to a class of lightweight aircraft usually consisting of 1 or 2 seat capacity and with a fixed wing.

Although the speed limits and operating weights of this aircraft differ depending on countries, in Europe the definition of an ultralight, limits it’s take-off weight to 450kg.

The maximum stalling speed limit is 65km/h and therefore, it means this kind of aircraft has a low landing speed as well as a short landing roll. The world of ultra-light aircraft has become affordable, achievable and fun in the recent years. Moreover, an ultra-light aircraft license is considered one of the easiest alternatives to enjoy the experience of flying under your control, just like drone pilot training, ultra-light pilot training is equally easy as compared to other regular air-crafts.

Ultralight Flying in Europe doesn’t feature so much on the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. Therefore, special regulations governing the operation of ultralight aircraft apply depending on each individual country you travel.

It is worth noting that within the European Union (EU) member states, the aviation rules, and laws are basically similar.

As you visit some of the popular destinations in Europe, you may also try the use of drones for drone videos and drone photography, remember rules of operations may apply.

The following is a guide to the rules and regulations and the most popular destinations for flying ultra-light aircraft in European countries.

Ultra-light flying in Italy

Italy is a can’t-miss place to visit on your European tour, it being a member of the European Union the rules and regulations governing ultralight flying are basically the same as it is in other member states.

No permission is required but its national regulation requires a maximum of 500 ft. during the week and 100 ft. on weekends.

There are quite a number of scenic views that are breath-taking while ultralight flying over Italy. The beautiful beaches at Fano in the province of Pesaro and Urbino are such scenic beauty to behold.

Aerial Pictures that can be captured are exceptionally beautiful precisely like those involving drone photography.

In Ireland

Flying ultra-light aircraft in Ireland requires permission from the Irish aviation authority. It is impossible to give a clear guidance in obtaining permission to fly over Ireland.

This is so because the Irish aviation authority has not adopted similar positions as other individual European Union member states’ aviation authorities.

Going for microlight flying in Ireland is most exhilarating; the countries landscape offers an astonishingly beautiful terrain to watch from the skies. The land mass here is splashed throughout with lakes that make it very lovely for flying.

In Greece

Flying an ultralight aircraft in Greece may require that you seek permission from the concerned authorities. Each airport in Greece has a specific division of which microlight division is responsible for all micro-light cases.

This is a very popular destination in Europe for flying because of the beautiful weather conditions and the nice views of the sea and the islands. It is also important to note that there are a number of flying schools in Greece. The cost of training is almost the same as those of the Western European countries.

In Hungary

Permission to fly ultralight aircraft in Hungary is required; however there are no special regulations required so all ultralight are allowed to land at all airports. The flight plan is required as well as well as the use of radio and transponder is mandatory.

Although Hungary’s nature is not impressive as compared to other destinations such as Croatia, Greece, and turkey, it is one of the developed countries in Europe. Therefore visiting this country can still be comfortable especially if you are from Western Europe.

In Austria

For microlight pilots, it is only allowed to fly in with a permission of Austrian control. It is also a requirement for ultra-light aircraft to have transponders, a rescue system as well as an emergency locator transmitter device. It is also important to note that for German microlight pilots, there’s an exemption.

Austria is one of the best countries for ultralight flying, characterized by it spectacular natural landscapes and alpine rugged terrain, it offers the best scenic views.

You can find a wide range of aviation sports in Austria; they also have some of the best flight training schools. In fact, you can use a drone for drone videos activity while in Austria to capture memorable shots.

In Bulgaria

Bulgaria being part of the EU the regulation that governs the flying of ultra-light is pretty the same as those of other member states. There is no regulation that guides the use of ultralights here although permission is required to fly in its space.

Bulgaria has a diverse terrain with the black sea-coast to the east of the country. This physical feature makes it suitable for ultra-light flying for those who love nature.

The most popular sports activity is paragliding although the ultra-light flying is still growing. The most suitable time for flying in Bulgaria is between the months of April through to October.

In Poland

Since Poland is a member of the European Union, the general regulations are not much different as those of other member states.

Although no special permission to operate ultra-light aircraft is required in Poland, it is important to note however that, should the ultra-light aircraft remain in Poland for more than 3 months; such a fact should be communicated to the Polish chief Airworthiness officer (CAO).

Poland has some of the flying clubs that practice air sports as well as for recreation. For instance, Warsaw flying club offers training from private pilots through to airline transport pilot license.

There are also several attraction sites in Poland for those who are traveling there for the first time.

In Sweden

Flying ultra-light in Sweden requires permission from the Swedish aviation authority. It is important to note also that ultra-light have the same responsibilities as all other aircraft however, no landing fees are required for them.

Sweden being one of the Scandinavian nations, it is characterized by thousands of coastal islands, forests, inland lakes, and mountains. This makes flying pleasant and fun because of the beautiful scenic view.

In Portugal

Ultra-light flying in Portugal requires permission from the Portuguese aviation authority. There are no specific regulations on ultra-light flying. However, flight in controlled air- space requires that you have a transponder.

Portugal is one of the beautiful European countries and it’s worth discovering it from a bird’s-eye view. There are Ultra-light flying clubs and aircraft charter companies. The weather in Portugal is relatively good offering more than 300 days of perfect flying conditions throughout the year.