What happens to a
transitioning “U/L PPC Pilot”
after
What really happens to a transitioning “Ultralight Pilot”
on
To understand this rule you will need to break §61.329(a) into
two parts. Firstly, Part §61.329(a)(1) describes the approaching deadline and
only applies to ultralight pilots who were part of a recognized organization on
or prior to
In reality the special provisions provided for in §61.329(a)(1)
expire on
Effective
-
You must have the aeronautical knowledge requirements specified in § 61.309. This means you must now receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas for a sport pilot.
-
You must have the flight proficiency requirements specified in § 61.311. At which time, you must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the appropriate areas of operation for the category of light-sport aircraft being sought.
-
You must have the aeronautical experience requirements specified in § 61.313. At which time, you must log the flight experience required for the applicable category of light-sport aircraft for which you seek to obtain a sport pilot certificate.
-
You will no longer be able to use the knowledge test for a flight instructor certificate to obtain a sport pilot certificate. If you have only taken the flight instructor knowledge test, you will also be required to take the sport pilot knowledge test for your category of light-sport aircraft.
-
You will no longer be able to obtain an endorsement for each category, class, and make and model of aircraft listed on your ultralight pilot records. You will have to take and pass a proficiency check for each additional category and class of light-sport aircraft being sought.
Does this mean you will be able to
use the logged aeronautical experience you have obtained as an ultralight
pilot?
The answer to this question is yes, 14 CFR 61.52 authorizes you to use your
ultralight flight experience. One
misinterpretation of §61.52 is that the ultralight flight experience obtained
while a member of a FAA recognized ultralight organization is ONLY valid until
January, 31 2007 for pilots or January 31, 2008 for flight instructors.
This is not the case, your aeronautical experience obtain under §61.52
is good forever! Your organizational
membership letter and your logbook will qualify as proof of your experience.
Therefore, you will need to keep these documents until you have obtained
the certificates and/or ratings being sought.
The aeronautical experience obtained
in an ultralight vehicle however, can ONLY be used to meet the
requirements for a sport pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate with
a sport pilot rating and a private pilot certificate with a weight-shift-control
or powered parachute category rating. This experience CANNOT be used for any
other FAA certificates or ratings.
This
time must have been logged in accordance with the provisions for logging
aeronautical experience specified by a FAA recognized ultralight organization
and in accordance with provisions for logging pilot time in an aircraft as
specified in §61.51.
You
must have obtained this experience as a registered ultralight pilot with one of
the FAA recognized ultralight organizations.
Who are the four FAA recognized ultralight organizations?
 |
ASC – Aero Sports Connection |
|
EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association |
|
USUA – |
|
USHPA – |
While
there has been some confusion about the transition for both ultralight pilots
and vehicles, it is important that you understand the process and how it will
affect you, especially if you are a transitioning pilot. The Light-Sport
Aviation Branch, AFS-610, is here to support you in answering questions about
light sport aviation topics. Please give us a call at 405-954-6400.
"UL-PPC Guide & Training Manual" are