Page 1 of 1
Can an N numbered ultralight still be flown under part 103?
Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:03 pm
by yhbobg
Question, if I purchased a used N numbered Thundergull, that still fits under part 103 limits, can it still be flown under part 103, as an ultralight, or can it then only be flown by a certificated pilot?
Re: Can an N numbered ultralight still be flown under part 103?
Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:31 pm
by yhbobg
Re: Can an N numbered ultralight still be flown under part 103?
Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:36 pm
by yhbobg
To clarify, I know it can be "un-certified" by turning in the airworthiness certificate (and painting over the n numbers), but If I then end up getting my pilot certificate, how much of a pain ( and it is even possible) to re-certify it?
Re: Can an N numbered ultralight still be flown under part 103?
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 3:25 pm
by tgulldave
To the best of my memory, I can give you some quick answers. An N numbered
former ultralight could have been registered as an "experimental light
sport aircraft". Or it may be registered as a "experimental amateur built".
In either case, if it has an N number it is no longer an ultralight. You
need the appropriate pilot certificate and log book sign-offs to fly it
legally. Annuals must be signed off in the aircraft logbook by FAA
authorized people.
I don't know anything about "decertification".
Re: Can an N numbered ultralight still be flown under part 103?
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 5:34 pm
by zadwit
Hi, I used to work for FAA Flight Standards. If the aircraft meets the requirements for a FAR part 103 aircraft, you can operate it as an ultralight. YOu would want to remove the N number and the pink airworthiness certificate and the operation limitations. (PS Id keep these in case you want to put in bigger tanks or some other mod that puts it back in the Amatuer Built Experimental category..
YOu can not fly an ultralight into a control towered airport but you could go into an uncontrolled airport I think.
Re: Can an N numbered ultralight still be flown under part 103?
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 5:37 pm
by zadwit
IF you surrender the pink airworthiness certificate it would probably be impossible to get it recertified as amateur built. You would have to have all the build records and be able to show that 51% was built etc..... just keep the paperwork, fly as an ultralight , and later if you get your light sport license, put the n number back on.
Im sure the FAA would not want me telling you these but Ive seen this done all the time.....