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Ultralight Aircraft classification differs marginally from country to country worldwide. Listed below are Ultralight Aircraft types that essentially weigh below 600 kilograms and in general full under the auspices of ultralight aircraft.

Fixing Wing / Axial Aircraft

Fixed-wing ultralight aircraft are small, simple to operate aeroplanes. Typically, these aircraft will have a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 600kg/1320 lbs, a piston-powered engine, a maximum speed of 120 knots and a fixed-pitch propeller. These aircraft are certified either by national aviation authorities (such as FAA, EASA, CASA) or by various recognised self-administering sport aircraft organisations (such as RA-Aus – Recreational Aviation Australia.  Aircraft in this category do not usually carry more than two people. In many countries, ultralight fixed-wing aircraft can only be flown in daylight visual meteorological conditions (VMC). In various parts of the world, aircraft in this category are also known as LSA – Light Sports Aircraft.

Gliders

Gliders are fixed-wing, unpowered, heavier than air aircraft. These aircraft are supported in flight by the reactions between the aircraft and the air they pass through. To take off, most gliders receive assistance from powered aircraft. Gliders are universally wheel based aircraft. In most countries, gliders can only be flown in daylight visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Gliders are normally regulated by national aviation regulators such as the FAA, EASA, and the as well as by internationally recognised organisations such as the British Gliding Association (BGA) and the Gliding Federation of Australia (GFA)

Microlight Helicopters

Microlight helicopters are rotary-wing aircraft that weigh less than 600kg/1320 lbs. Most helicopters under this weight have two/four-stroke piston-powered engines instead of the more powerful turboshaft engines found in heavier helicopters. Microlight helicopters are normally regulated under the auspice of recognised national aviation authorities (FAA, EASA etc.) Microlight helicopters typically are capable of carrying no more than two people.

Gyrocopters

Gyroplanes are heavier than air aircraft that use free-spinning/unpowered rotors to achieve aerodynamic lift and a pusher propeller to achieve forward flight. Gyroplanes typically weigh no more than 600kg and have a piston-powered two strokes/four-stroke engine and typically carry no more than two people. In many countries, autogyros can only be flown in daylight VMC (visual meteorological conditions).

Gyroplanes are normally regulated under the auspices of national aviation regulators such as the FAA, EASA, and recognised organisations such as Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus).

D Wing Trikes / Microlight Trikes

Microlight trikes are powered hang gliders where the aircraft is controlled by weight shift instead of regular flight control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudders). Microlight trikes usually consist of a wing – typically a rigid body covered by a lightweight fabric type material – and an aluminium airframe. Most trikes in this category have an MTOW of less than 500kg and are powered by a single two-stroke/four-stroke piston engine that powers a fixed pitch propeller. These aircraft can often be certified either by national aviation authorities (such as FAA, EASA) or by various recognised self-administering sport aircraft organisations (such as RA-Aus).

D Wing Foot Launched Hang Gliders

A foot-launched Hang Glider is an unpowered aircraft where a lightweight frame is covered in a soft fabric. Foot launched hang gliders can be easily mounted to the back of a potential pilot. Foot launched hang gliders typically weigh no more than 150kg. Foot launched Hang Gliders are registered and regulated under approved self-administering organisations such as RA-Aus, the HGFA (Hang Gliding Federation of Australia).

Wheel Based Powered Paragliders

A powered parachute is an aircraft that consists of a fuselage suspended under either a flexible or semi-rigid ram-air parafoil that is used as a wing. The fuselage of a powered parachute consists of landing gear, seats for no more than 2 occupants and mounting points for the wing. Powered parachutes are typically no heavier than 600kg. They are normally regulated under the auspice of national aviation regulators such as EASA  the FAA and recognised self-administering organisations such as Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus). Powered parachutes are wheel based, as opposed to powered paragliders/paramotors, which are foot-launched.

Foot Launched Powered Paragliders

A powered paraglider is an aircraft that consists of a back-mounted structure suspended under either a flexible or semi-rigid ram-air parafoil that is used as a wing.  A powered parachute structure consists of mounting points for the pilot, space for no more than 2 occupants, and the attachment points for the wing. Powered paragliders are typically no heavier than 600kg. They are normally regulated under the auspice of national aviation regulators such as EASA and the FAA and by recognised self-administering organisations such as the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FEA) and Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus).

Foot Launched Paragliders

Foot launched paragliders are lightweight, heavier than air glider aircraft that utilise a ram-air parafoil as a wing. Foot launched paragliders do not have a rigid airframe structure, rather the pilot is either attached to the parafoil wing using harnesses or is suspended in a small bag. Due to ram-air parafoils’ superior aerodynamic performance, paragliders are known for excellent glide ratios and are often used for soaring and other air sports. The total weight of foot-launched paragliders is typically no more than 100kg

(including helmet, parafoil and all other equipment).  Foot launched paragliders are typically registered and regulated under the auspice of approved self-administering authorities such as the  Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FEA) and the HGFA (Hang Gliding Federation of Australia)