Use of aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight vehicles

This regulation allowed pilots to count flight time from ultralight vehicles toward certain pilot certificates, but only until January 31, 2012. That deadline has passed, making this regulation no longer applicable for earning new certificates.

Before that date, ultralight experience could be used toward sport pilot certificates, sport pilot flight instructor certificates, and private pilot certificates with weight-shift-control or powered parachute ratings. To qualify, pilots had to:

• Be registered with an FAA-recognized ultralight organization when the experience was obtained
• Properly log the experience according to both the ultralight organization's standards and FAR 61.51
• Fly ultralights in the same category and class as the certificate sought
• Provide certified records from the ultralight organization

Since the 2012 deadline has passed, any ultralight experience must now be obtained in aircraft that meet standard airworthiness requirements to count toward FAA certificates.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*