|
|
Welcome to My Ultralight Home
Page!
Still Under Construction!
Club 060
Website for Ultralight Newbies
At the risk of sounding like the blind leading the blind, this is a web site for someone just getting 'into' ultralights. I decided to create this page to let others read and learn from my newbie experiences.
First and foremost should be training. Before you even think of purchasing an ultralight, you need to get some training. Even if have your private pilot's license, there are enough differences between general aviation aircraft and ultralights to warrant training. I started out by searching the web for ultralights. From there I found the United States Ultralight Association (USUA) and the Aero Sports Connection (ASC) web sites. They both have listings for instructors state by state. I called several and found one that could train me right away.
The next step for me was to pick the ultralight I wanted. There are a LOT to choose from! I had to decide what type I wanted. For example, did I want a powered ultralight, or did I want a hang glider? How about a trike or a powered parachute? For me, I wanted a powered ultralight, with an enclosed cockpit. I had decided that I wanted a new one, instead of a used one. That was probably because I had been burned in the past with used cars! hahaha I know it was silly, but it was something I had decided on.
It was going to take several weeks for my ultralight to be built so I had the time for training. When I say training, I don't just mean learning to fly. There is a lot more to being a pilot than just knowing that. You have to be a mechanic, map reader, chemist, physicist, and weatherman/woman. For example, before you are ever in the air, you have to make sure your aircraft is airworthy. This means checking out the various components of the aircraft to insure their integrity. Is the engine in perfect working condition? Do all of the control surfaces work properly? Where are you going to fly? Do you know the legal airspace you will be traveling in? What about the fuel/oil? Did you use the right octane rating? Did you properly mix the gas and oil (if needed)? Can you determine what the weather will be like? Along with the one on one training you will receive from your instructor, you can learn a lot from others. Join a local club and ask questions. Many of the guys in the club I belong to are very willing to share their experiences with me, and I really enjoy listening.
How to communicate with airports.
[Home]