A Beginner's Guide To Ultralight Flying
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- "The Movie That Launched a Thousand Ultralights!"
In 1994, Ultralight Flying! magazine, the official magazine of The United States Ultralight Association (U.S.U.A.) awarded Brian FitzGerald "Best Video Journalist of the Year" for producing this movie.
A Beginner's Guide to Ultralight Flying is 80 minutes long and was produced for those who had heard about the sport and were interested but didn't know how to get started - a video primer to ultralight flying. Among other things, it covers the basic federal regulations for ultralights and provides information on the topics of flight training and the purchase of aircraft. One of the nation's largest and most successful ultralight clubs is visited and it's president is interviewed. Also, there are many interview sessions with ultralight flyers and owners of ultralight aircraft. These interviews provide the viewer with many unique, personal perspectives on the sport. They also allow viewers to 'meet' some of the type of people who fly ultralights. There are many scenes of ultralights in flight as well as several 'music video' type segments.
Been on a airplane kick, and ultralights seem to be what I needed. Dads buddy had one years ago and now i really want one
First you must learn how to fly airplanes. I suggest getting either a Private License or a Sport Pilot License.
To watch my updated documentary on Ultralights called "UFM2" go here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPI_oKgrJ96S3zjgemcipI8.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
"Wanted"
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer l
I just spent well over an hour watching an old video....
And I really enjoyed it! I am going to get my PPL this summer so I can fly a cessna 172, but I am really considering getting into ULF also. I have always been interested in aviation but never really known why, but now I understand it is for the simple joy of flying!
Dear J.D.,
Excellent! I am mightily pleased you have made this realization because it is central to my mission. When I attained my Private License in the 1960's, the talk was always "I'm going to go out and practice some touch 'n goes" or "I need to get out and practice tracking the VOR's" or "...practice landings", etc. Guys thought they needed a "justification" to go out flying. Proficiency is definitely a goal but I see it as a by-product of the central goal - FLYING!
Another effort of mine to advance this thinking is "Sky Surfing - The Flite Blog™". This is where I post stories about my Fun Flights across the prairie. If you want to check it out, just go to my website (fitzvideo.com) and you will find a link there.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!
Brian FitzGerald - Wichita
I got to 35:14 and the name "Mike Huddleson" came on the screen. I thought, "hey, I know a guy by that name" and then you turned and faced the camera...Hey Mike! I knew you were a great square-dance caller, I had no idea you were an ultralight pilot! How cool! Now your "Outbound Plane" makes sense!
This is a good video notwithstanding the age... very informative. I am looking at electric assist gliders and this just got me more interested in flying. Thanks.
What a great movie. I thought I'd just skip through a few parts but as it turned out, I couldn't stop and watched it all. I started flying in the 70s with hang gliders (had a Seagull 10) and went to airplanes from there. I did fly a few ultralights with friends, and it was incredibly fun every time. Never had the cash & opportunity to purchase & hangar one myself, though, those things are very expensive here in Brazil. Thanks for bringing back fond memories.
Dear Corisco,
I am honored to have viewers in Brazil! Thanks for all the kind words about this movie. I shot this one back in 1994 but have done many more movies since then. I will be uploading a lot more movies soon and, in fact, am uploading the UPDATE to this Ultralight Movie. It is called UFM2. I will celebrate the addition of my 500th Subscriber by putting the whole movie on-line. It is over 2.5 hours long and features many different types of Ultralights and "styles" of Ultralight Flying.
Please become a subscriber and you will be notified when I put new movies up.
Also, if you go to my website (fitzvideo.com) you will see a button to "Sky Surfing - The Flite Blog™". You might like some of the stories and aviation photography there.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald
Dear Brian,
...subscribed! Really looking forward to watching UFM2. Checked out your website, great stuff there. Will stop by again and see in detail.
All the best!
This is extremely helpful Brian, thank you for posting this here, when I learned how expensive it is to get a pilot’s license I figured it’d be better to get into ultralights, and this has all the things I need to know
Dear Red,
You should see the update to this movie. It is called "UFM2". The best way to find it is from the link on my website here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/Launch_Ultralights.htm
But, please understand. Not needing a Pilot License or Medical does not suspend the laws of Physics! You must learn to fly before getting in the seat of an Ultralight. Much about flying is NOT intuitive but must be learned. At this point in time, the best way to go is to get a Sport Pilot License. We used to have Ultralight Clubs with Instructors just for Ultralights but the FAA killed that deal and dealt a near death blow to the Ultralight Aviation sport. I have had my Pilot License since I was 17 so I am fortunate in that regard.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer - Brian FitzGerald
Boy, this video brings back some great flying memories. I flew my Quicksilver MX in South Florida back in the 1980's and loved it. Even took it up to 11K once ;-)
Get back in the air! Air-Tech in Louisiana is the de facto Quicksilver Factory right now. Get one!
Get to more of my movies from my website:
www.fitzvideo.com/
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
did the same in my mx during the 80´s, loved the simplicity and the 2 axis control
Lovely. A nice warm chat about flying ultralights.. I really enjoyed this, thanks Brian.
Dear Chris,
You are welcome! Check out the update to this movie. It is titled UFM2 and is on my channel here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPOOhuUwiPuAm0nc7yvxIrr.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
I could tell by the hair style this is an older flick.
But, I really enjoyed it. Still very informitive.
The wordart title animation in the beginning didnt give it away?
Loved the video!! Having flown from Rapid City with a pilot to San Diego
with a pilot...even though it had great speed, I decided I wanted a Twin aircraft. It was boringly slow!! He let me fly it a good part of the way, he'd set the radio and I centered the needle, and woke him up when the needle flipped directions. Over Big Piney, I felt that my wheels were almost touching the tree tops, and I had no control the throttle, so I put it in a slow climb, and when I went through 12,000 feet he woke up coughing, I can't breathe up here, get it down and pushed the stick forward, and I pulled it up at about 9,500 feet.Told him I wanted some space to find a landing field just in case...He said, I don't care if your at 40.00 feet, you cannot glide out. of here to a landing place, might as well go into the trees and get it over with! He was a crop duster pilot, and asked iof I'd like to see how it's done...Absolutely!! The wheat of the field was hitting the tires and made quite a sound! then a quick up and down, as we went over a fence...Thrilling!!!
Yo! This is Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer - the guy who shot and produced "A Beginner's Guide to Ultralight Flying" back in the 90's.
I'm glad you got a chance to watch this movie but I urge you to watch the update "UFM2". It is in HD and more modern.
You can find it here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Thank you for posting,wish I had found it earlier
I plan to learn to fly this summer, lots to learn thanks for the information a great presentation!
Did you learn?
mann, 22 years ago. I wish aviation would get back to this!!!
Hey, Woof, it still is if you want it to be. I flew 5 hours Saturday on a round trip Sky Safari to Chanute, KS. Chanute is named after Wright Brothers Friend and Mentor Octave Chanute. I had an excellent adventure and saw sights so beautiful as to be describable only by photo. I put my Sky Safaris on "Sky Surfing - The Flite Blog™" seen here:
fitzvideo.com/skysurfing2/
Join me on my latest POV movie "The Search for Mustang Valley":
ua-cam.com/video/SYRAuxkCdWw/v-deo.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian - The Sky Surfer
tried fan airplane
Your adventure journey is like a good movie experience to me. Thanks
I still have this video on VHS from back in the mid 90s
Excellent, Duck!
That was my first movie. UA-cam killed the market for VHS, DVD and BluRay so I started posting to it a number of years back. They pay me a cent or two when you watch one of my movies...
You should watch the update to "Beginner's Guide" (and my other stuff). It is called "UFM2".
You can find all of it from my website:
www.fitzvideo.com/
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer I have been watching a bunch. I never did get to fly I went on an introductory flight with Tom Peghiny in a Flightstar back then. Flightstar was only a half hour from my house I was saving money for a plane either a Flightstar or a Quicksilver but then l bought a house and then the cash was gone. I did want a 2 place to be able to fly with my wife and still kind of like that idea because everything is more fun when you can share it. Now I see flight instructors in an Ultralight type aircraft is few and far between epically in the CT area. I'm sure you were an inspiration for many ultralight pilots.
You folks are CRAZY & YES I FLEW AN ULTRALIGHT BACK IN THE LATE 80s but still ya'll craxy
Check out the update to this movie. It is called "UFM2" and you can get there from here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Thanks Brian! I really enjoyed it and learned a lot.
Glad to hear it! The update to that movie is "UFM2". It and my many other movies are available by going to my website:
www.fitzvideo.com/
"UFM2" is under the "Ultralight Flying" heading.
You should also check out my "Ultralight POVs". NOBODY on the web has produced anything like them.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
I never had any instruction before my first flight in my micro. Learned how to control the plane 2 feet off the deck for 10 minutes and then went for it. If you can walk, you can fly a mirco.
Way to get people killed! Kudos!
What a really cool video. I especially liked the author's closing commentary on liberty and freedom. Music was awesome too. Hell yes!.
Thanks, Locrian. The close is vintage Sky Surfer as was the music.
You should watch the update to "Beginner's Guide". It is called "UFM2" and is in HD. You can find it here: ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPI_oKgrJ96S3zjgemcipI8.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
A great video indeed. We need more of this stuff for 2020.
You are in luck! I produced an update to this movie called "UFM2" and you can see it FREE!
Just go here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
great old film and featured a lot of footage of my model the Quickie MX back in the early 80's which I had outfitted with a self deployed chute attached to the kingpost (never had to use it!). I enjoyed flying at idle speed to achieve a soaring-like performance controlled by the stick keeping it flying at a min. of 28mph for fun.
only in my dreams and occasional commercial flight. my big thumper kept me from passing FAA physicals anymore, SIGH! Who are you?
Great documentary. First time I've seen it.
Dear Brad,
I'm glad you liked it. I shot that one back in the early 90's. An update is my movie "UFM2". Most of it is available on my Channel but for some unknown reason UA-cam/Google has yet to allow me to post the entire piece. I will be uploading the 23 music video ending to "UFM2" soon. So if you have signed up as a subscriber, you will be notified.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - Wichita
*****
Subscribed. I look forward to seeing the rest of your videos.
Brian, does the USUA still exist? How about an update on this video. There's a whole new generation that would like to know about this subject. You are the best at doing these!
Actually I did do an update to this movie and it is called "UFM2" for "Ultralight Flying Millennium 2". If you want to see it, go here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/Launch_Ultralights.htm
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer
Super video! I'd like to see this same type video redone/updated to 2018, so as to include anything great that's happened since this video was made.
The update is "UFM2". You can see it here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPI_oKgrJ96S3zjgemcipI8.html
They got bigger and fatter and became "light" sport aircraft.
Brian, I just discovered this video and loved it as with all of your videos ( Harper Run, Mustang Valley, etc.) and reading the comments below I'm going to check out UFM2 next. By the way who's that young guy with the black hair? :-)
Thanks for the Good Word, Jim! If you are looking for the latest iteration of "the young guy", he is featured in "Magic Time - Final Flight".
I built an ultralight. A Kolb Mark 3. It was heavier than the legal version for it was a 2 seater. I already had a pilots license but hadn't flown in 4 years. On the first day I and a friend taxied around for a while getting used to it. He got out & I continued to taxi again. I went the same speed as before & the thing took off with me not expecting it. I did what I thought best, I floored the thing and committed to doing a pattern flight. On the downwind leg looking down at about 800 ft. I kept saying to myself "please don't fall apart, please don't fall apart." (talking about the airplane) It didn't & though the landing was shaky I got it back down in one piece. I went on to have quite a few adventures with it but it was quite a lot of work dragging it out of the garage, putting it on a trailer, driving to an airport 35 min. away, then doing everything in reverse getting it ready for flight. Then back on the trailer after flying & pulling it back home just to take it off the trailer again to get it to fit in the garage. Eventually it was sold but the memories linger of the fun I had with it.
Your experience echos mine and quite a few other guys who transitioned to Ultralights from light airplanes. The first time I flew a Quicksilver I was in the air before I realized it and cut the power! Fortunately I had the presence of mind to maintain airspeed and put it right back on the runway. Now I love the way my MXL jumps into the air vs the slow buildup of a Cessna struggling to get airborne...
I love this documentary.
I wanted to own an ultra light aircraft club in future.
Dear James,
This was my first doc on Ultralights. After that I have produced many more movies on Ultralights and Sport Aviation.
The update to "Beginner's Guide" is "UFM2". I think you would like it a lot.
You can see it and all my other movies by starting here:
www.fitzvideo.com/
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
"All music written and performed by Brian Fitzgerald". Damn! Excellent tunes! And that was 25 years ago now!
Thanks, Chris! I wrote music for the entire music video close to "UFM2", which was the update to this movie. That final segment is called "Lil Prop". Catch "UFM2" HERE:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/Launch_Ultralights.htm
Thank you for uploading this video. Very helpful.
very nice this is something I wish I could get into
You can but you must learn to fly first. After that, the price of an Ultralight is less than many motorcycles.
Hi Brian, love your channel & vids. Any opinion on the Aerolite 103? I'm looking for a lightly used one to purchase. I'm a 350 hour private pilot that can't afford heavier iron but don't really want it, either. Simple, basic, light, low & slow flying is the most fun anyway and I think ultralights will be a perfect fit for me. Cheers!
Hi Brian, thanks for posting this ol` classic. I really enjoyed it. I fly a Highlander STOL LSA but would like to add a basic ultralight to my fleet. Safe and fun flying to you mate !
Can't wait to get local training for flying ultralights! I really want to build one, but I am saving money for the training before I begin building them. I already have studied the construction process, but not training specifically for ultralight flying.
You ever get up in the sky?
This is a very good video. Loved it
Excellent! You should see the updated version. You can find it on my Channel here:
ua-cam.com/users/BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer
It is called "UFM2"
Later,
The Sky Surfer
That brought back memories.
Excellent! You can still do it. Check out some of my "POV" movies like "The Harper Run". That's what I am doing lately.
Dear Oz,
I responded to your message a month ago but it did not show up...
I'm glad you enjoy "Beginner's Guide". I still fly a Quicksilver but now I have an MXL. I have logged a lot of time this last two years. Most of the time I documented my flights in "Sky Surfing - The Flite Blog™". You would like it. There is a button to take you there on my website fitzvideo(dot)com
Check it out!
If you like it, send me your email address and I will put you on the mailing list.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Thank you
You're welcome
mark r Scranton pa thx 4 the vid
Great
+hobbywars
Thanks, Wars! Check out the update to this movie I titled "UFM2". You can see it here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPI_oKgrJ96S3zjgemcipI8.html
superrrrr.......thanks
Perhaps you've never surfed...I am both an ultralight pilot(a long wing Challenger with Rotax 447)as well as a surfer and I can guarantee you that there is indeed a 3D aspect to the endeavor. Albeit not to the extent that you can exercise while higher aloft. And to an even greater extent there most certainly is a 3 dimensional aspect when kite surfing, sailboarding, etc. ! I would even proffer that there is actually a 4th dimension to all of these activities because of the aspect of timing involved and required to successfully flow and landing and taking off, too.
With all due respect, regardless that the water is moving up and down, surfing on water is still in essence a two dimensional ride - until you fall off the board or bail out. Then, you have gone three dimensional.
When Sky Surfing, you are in control of all three axes, all the time.
Indeed, with all due respect, I can see that trying to enlighten or edify one with a closed mind is worthless !
Hey. If it's too hard to understand for you, that's OK. But, cheap shots on the internet are a dime a million. Make your own movie.
Not cheap shots. A well articulated argument to your erroneous assertion in your video. Can you not imagine the 3 dimensional balance and coordination that is required to intentionally aim for the lip of a breaking wave, while riding on that wave or one that is in close proximal and temporal contiguity, with the specific intention of catching air and doing a 360 degree turn and/or flip and then landing on the same moving undulating platform is not the same or similar form of adroit maneuver as "skysurfing" or any of the other sports that I earlier delineated then you have a closed mind. No cheap shot. Just my considered opinion. To which I am entitled, just as you are entitled to keep your mind closed. Bless you little heart and tiny mind.
1. Nice burn 2. I really enjoyed this video and the new ones. It taught me a lot about ultralights. I also live in Northern California and have been wanting to get into ultralight flying for a long time now. I was wondering if you could tell me where to buy the ultralight I want in California.
Will an ultralight like the ones in this video be able to lift me? I currently weigh 284 lbs. but am looking to lose about 20-30 lbs. before I take training. So what I'm asking is will it lift a 250 lb. person with ease or will there be a struggle?
USNVA All I can tell you is that I weigh 170 and my Quicksilver with a Rotax 503 takes off in less than 110' and earlier today with 82 degree air temp was climbing at 500' per minute. You would be adding 80 pounds to my flying gross weight. I think you would probably be OK but you should talk to the Quicksilver and Kolb people and see what they say.
+USNVA Maybe... I would recommend getting your light sport license. Light sport craft are like next level ultralights, Larger cabs, Bigger engines, More fuel. Many light sport rigs can carry 2 people, so you should be no problem. Inevitably I would recommend loosing some of the weight but getting really into flying will do that on its own. When I got my first mini-max I spent so much of my money on the plane to stay in the air as much as possible that I forgot to feed myself. I lost 60lbs in 2 months from trying to get my ailerons just the way I liked.
+USNVA
I believe that those models you would be over weight. The newer ultralights have enclosed cockpits and will carry much more weight. They are governed by FAR rules in terms of weight. The governing regulation in the United States is FAR 103, which specifies an "ultralight" as a single seat aircraft of less than 5 US gallons (19 L) fuel capacity, empty weight of less than 254 pounds (115 kg), a top speed of 55 knots (102 km/h), a maximum stall speed not exceeding 24 knots (45 km/h), and are only allowed to fly during daylight hours and over un-populated areas. Weight allowances can be made for two-seat trainers, amphibious landing gear, and ballistic parachute systems.
816taylor On second thought it would probably be best if I kept myself planted on terra firma. Although not entirely impossible, government restrictions make it pretty difficult for someone like me to safely get off the ground. Maxing the aircraft weight limit out to 254 lbs and then climbing in it myself sounds dangerous.
USNVA
Yes you don't want to fly an overweight plane that isn't a good idea. maybe if you flew naked you might be able to get under the limit. I would suggest having a rocking body before attempting that though. Nothing worse than someone pointing and saying is that all there is.
Killer moustache!
I'm sorry I'm just having fun with it it's all cool good video good information thank you
Dear John,
Excellent. Check out the update to this movie called "UFM2". You can find it here:
ua-cam.com/users/BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer
I'm looking for a Kolb Firefly For-Sale. Maybe with trailer.
Had me at mustache + soundtrack. Now I must sell everything I own so that I can buy an ultralight.
That was from my first Ultralight Movie some years ago. Here are some updates you should see.
UFM2 (Ultralight Flying Millennium Two):
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
and
POVs (fly with The Sky Surfer on his Quicksilver Ultralight).
I put cameras all over my Quicksilver MXL and take you with me across The Great Planes of America:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/POVs.htm
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian - The Sky Surfer
Este es mi sueno. No quiero irme de este mundo sin cumplirlo.
Aquí hay más Ultraligeros en la película actualizada "UFM2". Creo que te gustará:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Awesome Video! Whats the soundtrack? i like the retro-style music.
I'm glad you liked it. I wrote and performed the track. It probably sounds "retro" for two reasons.
#1. It was produced in 1994
#2. I stopped learning anything new on my guitar in the 1970's...
awesome i love it!pretty cool, you have your music soundtracks anywhere on the internet?
especially the ones at 20:16 and at the beginning of the video.
Dear Justin,
Thanks! I wrote and played the music. It sounds retro because it is... I recorded it in 1994 and I never really progressed past the 70's with my style or guitar chops. Hence the retro sound. If you are a subscriber to my UA-cam Channel you will be hearing some more recent cuts I recorded around 2008 that are part of my "UFM2" movie - specifically the 23 minute music video "Lil Prop - Big Trip". I'll be putting it up later this Summer.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Duane Life, that guy was awesome
Yes, Matt, I like Duane a lot.
You can also catch him in "HangarTalk - Part 1" (ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvNKVruNUP9eWqDL_8cXjmDu.html) and "HangarTalk - Part 2 (ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvNUySHcWcOWdmLAoGgjUzDG.html)
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Ohh man im totally gonna check those out, he seems like my kinda guy.
I just watched the other videos of Duane. Man, that guy sure is a joy to listen to. I could listen to him ramble on all day! I'm gonna be back home in KS doing some work all over the state, any meetups going on around April? I sure would like to sit in.
There is a Fly-In at High Point in April. I am not sure I will be able to make it, though.
Thanx 4 the video. So a Microlight/ Ultralight may not be more than 245L (110kg) and it may only fly in the day. Max range is 400mi (640km). It may take 2 persons. Question: Can the Ultralight/ Microlight have 2 engins? Some of the plane has the engin in front of the wing and other planes have the enjne at the back. Thanks again. The show was great!
Check out my updated movie on Ultralights here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Do you know if the Ultralight Association is still based out of Mt. Airy Md. and do they still do training there.
The FAA (in collusion of various un-elected "industry leaders") KILLED the training exemption about 10 years ago. So, now the only training you can get to fly an Ultralight is to get a Sport or Private Pilot License from a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor).
I have had a Private License since I was 17 years old.
The USUA is basically moribund now just as I predicted would happen when they made this faustian bargain. Those guys saw dollar signs in their eyes with the Sport Pilot License and sold the Ultralight Flying Sport down the river.
Perhaps we can get the training exemption back and put blood back in the veins of the sport. Things were just fine the way they were, we just wanted 350 lbs of gross weight and 10 gallons of gas. That's all...
I understand that this was produced in 1994. One of the BFIs states that ultralight engines are notoriously unreliable. Has technology evolved in that area in so far as to say that they are more reliable these days?
Dear Tim,
I believe I experienced 5 landings without the assistance of a motor back in those days. My problems were with the Cuyuna Engine. Some say they were able to get better performance out of them than I did but proof is hard to come by.
On the other hand, when I finally bought a Rotax motor - as I have said many times - I REALLY started having fun with my Ultralight.
About 6 years ago after a "too long hiatus", I bought a Quicksilver MXL with a Rotax 503. The engine had an unknown number of hours on it and the maintenance schedule was questionable. I replaced it with a new Rotax 503 DCI and have had about 400 hours of trouble-free flying since then. About 100 hours ago I had Rotax Rick of Florida re-build the engine when it reached the prescribed 300 hour re-build. He did a fantastic job. It purrs like a sewing machine.
My 2014 Fun Flying Season is just starting. Over the last few years I have made it a practice to fly to destinations 60 to 110 miles from my airport and document the trips on "Sky Surfing - The Flite Blog™".
The Blog is a way of saying that I trust the Rotax to fly 5 hour round trips over the plains of Kansas and Oklahoma and have successfully accomplished that scenario for many journeys. If you want to get pumped up about Ultralight Flying go to "Sky Surfing" and check out some of my trips.
I believe the key to "keeping the fan turning" is to treat your engine and airframe just like a certificated aircraft. DO REGULAR MAINTENANCE. Too many guys "cheap out" or are just lazy and run stuff until it quits. That mindset has led to a general negativity toward an absolutely wonderful sport. Flying an Ultralight can be an absolutely ethereal experience!
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald
Mr. Fitzgerald,
Thank you very much for your encouraging reply! I absolutely will view the videos. Flying has always been a dream of mine and I began flight school in a 172 years ago but just wasn't ready for all that it entailed. Ultralight flying seems much more suited to my dream of recreational flying. I may be in a bit of an undesirable situation. I live in the Florida Panhandle (Destin). If you are unfamiliar, it has a major airport (VPS) and Eglin Air Force Base is located here. I fear that Ultralight flight would be unrealistic due to restrictions and regulations? This would be an amazing place to enjoy from the air with it's beaches, bays, bayous, and wetlands.
Tim a lot of the engine problems are from engines that were never designed to be used in something that flys. The Rotax and Hirth engines are pretty good as long as you understand two cycle engines. They will not last forever but 500 or more hours between overhauls is possible with a rebuild costing less than $1000. Most of the problems I have seen with those engines was either bad maintenance, poor pre-flight checks or simply not taking the time to learn how a two cycle engine operates. This isn't your car engine that is only asked to put out about 1/4 of the available power at any time. These engines are running at 80 to 100% of full power nearly all the time.
Bob Furr I second Bob's analysis.
For the last 3 years I have made it quest to fly to all the small towns in Kansas and Northern Oklahoma in my Quicksilver MXL (the stories are on my "Sky Surfing - The Flite Blog™" at fitzvideo.com/sky_surfing/). I wouldn't have made these 100+ mile flights if I didn't trust the engine which is a 503 Rotax DCI. While I am sticking with the 300 hour TBO, I know of guys who have gone beyond that with no problems IF they care for their engine properly. I had Rotax Rick of Florida re-build my motor 2 years ago and it has been an absolute JEWEL. I never need to pull it through more than twice to start it.
Key to the success of 2 stroke flying is attention to detail. I don't use the auto oil injection system - too complicated for my taste - I always mix my oil and gas very carefully and precisely to 40:1... Change your filters often. Rebuild the carburetor every other year. Check your plugs every 50 hours - they tell you the condition of your engine better than anything.
Don't let the engine sit for a couple of years without running it and expect success. 2 Stroke motors must maintain internal pressure to function properly. When they sit for too long the seals at the crank PTO can dry out and crack. Air leaks, there and elsewhere (like the carb boot) will alter your mixture AND your internal lubrication.
It may seem obvious but it is not. Ultralights are made to fly slow. Too many guys run at far too high power settings for their Ultralight. Guys need to find the "slow flight" speed for their plane (with reasonable cushion over stall). When you find this airspeed you will discover that adding power only wastes fuel for a minimal increase in speed. Adding power over the "slow flight speed" also necessitates running your engine at higher RPM. Higher RPM generates more heat. Heat is the enemy of your engine.
Get as efficient a prop as you can. I put the longest 2 blade Powerfin I could on my Quicksilver to maximize thrust. It also has a well designed airfoil. When you combine these attributes you will be able to push more air for less engine strain. This, too, translates into longer engine life.
When I go cross country, my goal is to stay in the air with the least RPM necessary. Depending on Density Altitude conditions, I have flown for long time/distances with my engine running as low as 4200 RPM! Mostly in the Summer I can't get lower than 4600 but regardless this is FAR better than in the old days when I would fly everywhere at 5500.
I can go on and on about this but I hope the above has been helpful.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
ps: Bob. Is that a T-Bird you are flying?
***** I am flying a Starflight. Deeper airfoil than a Quicksilver so more lift (but also more drag). It easily handles my 250#. While about 1000 of these were built in the 80's only a handful seem to still be flying.
For those that have actually done so, how would you compare learning to master a full-size motorcycle and mastery of flying? Also, could/is part 103 a good stepping stone to Private ("Sport'?) licensing? (FWIW, I am an advanced Adventure Motorcycling instructor)
There are some similarities between riding motorcycles and small planes in that you bank them to turn. Other than that, it takes quite a bit more training to learn to fly. There are some things about it that are not intuitive - at first. After you learn them, though, they become natural. The stall is one of those things. One would think that when you stall the wing, you would pull even harder back on the stick but that it the opposite of what you do and will only make the stall worse. That's just one example but there are others. In most areas of the country you can get familiarization rides from instructors who will take you up and give you a feel for flying to see if it interests you.
The problem of the Part 103 transition to Sport or Private is that the government took away the BFI (Basic Flight Instructor) program and so you have nobody to teach you to fly an Ultralight in a 2 seater. Sure, a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) can do it but you'd be hard pressed to find one who will. That being said, the only safe way right now is to get a Sport or Private License and then fly Ultralights because you will understand the theory, the controls and how to manuever. I suppose you could take flying lessons to the solo phase and then fly Ultralights. That is about what a BFI would do.
I hope that helps.
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
PS: Check out my update to "Beginner's Guide" called "UFM2". Here is a link:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
@@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer many thanks...
Wow, the one that looked like a Mooney Bravo, does anyone know the scoop on that? If I got an ultra light I might like to get one that looks like the Mooney. That was sharp I'd like to see the inside and instrumentation of it.
That is a KOLB. Here is their website:
kolbaircraft.com/
That was my first movie. If you want to see my update of "Beginner's Guide", go HERE:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
It is very interesting.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer
how much do you have to spend to get certified or do you have to be certified? also is there instructors in every state? I just found out about ultralights and I'm not financially stable but I'd really like to get an ultralight cgs hawk eventually but I don't know how I'd learn to fly
These days you need to get at least a Sport Pilot License. The FAA did away with the Ultralight Training Exemption about 10 years ago. You need to learn to fly because "self teaching" will get you hurt or killed.
Brian FitzGerald I'm confused. Why would you need the expense of a full sport license? wouldn't a few hours of standard vfr flight training be adequate?
Well, you have a point in a way. If you take enough instruction from a CFI to the point of being released for solo, I guess that would be sufficient.
It would be better yet if that amount of time was spent in a two seat Ultralight-Type plane like the Quicksilver Sport 2 or similar.
The reason I suggest getting the license is to finish the course in case you later want to fly passengers with you.
Also, overall, it gives me an answer I can proffer to everyone regardless of natural skill level.
I'm never really sure who I am addressing and different people have different natural ability when it comes to aviation.
My thinking is that if they get a chance to fly with a certified instructor they will safely find out whether they have the aptitude for the sport.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
hi Brian. I want to start flying ultra light. is this information still relevant?
Dear John,
For the most part. But, you might want to watch my update that was shot in HD. It is called "UFM2" for "Ultralight Flying Millennium 2". You can find it on my channel with those search terms. Check out some of my "POV" movies, too.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
"The '80s called. They want their mustache back!" JK. Thanks for posting! :D
yes
Dear Liron,
You will like this movie even better. It is called "UFM2":
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald
So flying cross country is not possible?
Sure it is. You just have to stop often for fuel.
Check out my update to this movie here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Do ultralight engines have dual ignition ?
Dear Carpenters,Some do. Some don't. Mine is a Rotax 503 DCDI and it does have dual CDI ignition. I wouldn't fly with single ignition any more but I did back in the day when this first movie was shot. You should watch my update to "Beginner's Guide" it is called "UFM2". You can find it here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPI_oKgrJ96S3zjgemcipI8.html
"The Harper Run" you should see also:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPS9nM-GGIe7Iz3eEUzoA8j.html
Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
Straight outta the 80s :-)
Actually the mid 90's
Unreliable engines is that true for all UL engines or high hour engines needing maintenance? Because that is a deal breaker.
When this movie was shot, there were problems with the motors. Since then, Rotax produced the 377, the 447 and the 503 that GREATLY improved the dependability of Ultralight engines and made the sport more fun. Unfortunately, the Greenies strangled the two stroke motor in Europe. Since Rotax is located in Austria, they killed the production of those three motors. They still make the 582 two stroke that is water cooled.
Even though the 377, 447 and 503 are not produced any more, you can get them and parts are still available. I have a 503 on my Quicksilver MXL. It has been re-built by Rotax Rick of Florida and has NEVER skipped a beat. I have flown all over Kansas and Northern Oklahoma with that motor.
If you want to see my 503 in action, go here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/POVs.htm
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
The Sky Surfer - Brian FitzGerald
I live in Newton and would like to know who I can contact to talk about ultralight flying.in my area.
Dear James,
If you can send me your telephone number or email address, I will discuss this most important info with you.
I am now in Rose Hill.
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
sent you my # on messenger
Sorry. That method didn't work. I don't use Messenger.
When and were are you flying again and I'll try and catch you there.
Heard this described as "the most fun you can have with your pants on".
Check out the updated movie here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Martin Buck you will get arrested if you fly it with your pants off !
The 90s were fun
I'm still having the same fun - even TODAY!
Ice Man !
being 2016 is there any updates needed for this video?
and is there a way to carry more (regardless of faa regulations) 5 gallons or would that compromise the airplanes ability to fly
Dear Tex,
I did an update to it about 5 years ago called "UFM2". You can find it on my UA-cam Channel or just go to this link:
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPI_oKgrJ96S3zjgemcipI8.html
All I can say about the fuel issue is that these machines can generally carry additional payload within reason. The FAA doesn't want them carrying more gas than 5 gallons in order to limit fire potential in a crash.
Here is another movie you should see - "The Harper Run":
ua-cam.com/play/PLw-1AzkBKwvPS9nM-GGIe7Iz3eEUzoA8j.html
I gotta go flying now. See you later!
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
+Brian FitzGerald thank you very much
All about the plane, what about engine , what are they. I realize they different from plane to plane.?
I shot this interview about 20 years ago but the plane is still being sold. It is a Kolb. The engine was a Rotax 447. Rotax stopped building them in an effort to save the planet from poisonous emissions (really) as they did with the motor I use which is a 503 DCDI. You can still find them and parts, though. There are several alternatives. Hirth is one of them.
The Kolb website is here:
www.kolbaircraft.com/
Can I purchase this on VHS cassette tape?
I'm not sure. I might still have some stored out in my hangar. I'll take a look later today.
At 35:15, Mike Huddleson. I know this guy!
Neat! I haven't seen Mike since about the time this movie was shot (the middle 1990's). Check out the update called "Ultralight Flying Millennium 2" right here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
Under FAR 103, does the FAA come and weigh your plane? How do they know if you are legal or not?
Nobody weighs your plane unless you do something spectacularly stupid to draw their attention. Then they are all over you like any other bureaucrat in the administrative state.
Joe..C'mon, dude...How many peeps siting 'round w/ a firearm that aint registered??..Huh ??!!.....Plenty....Besides, you think your buds gonna ask..." !!!!...Hey, Joe!!!!..Joe..!!!!....I got my scale here,...Lets see if your plane is legal!!!!!!!..I doubt it.....Now if you fly into controlled airspace and some one reports you....Well, You shit outta luck, then......
The difference is that we can float for a long while in the Ocean but we cant float in the air. Cars don't fall out of the air.
Even when floating on the ocean you are limited in two dimensions unless you use one of those kites.
Sorry but I don't get the "cars falling out of the air" thing...
Please advise.
1:15:15 Like that design, it doesn't have a vertical rod right front of the pilot.
Hi my name is Brian Fitzgerald and it’s 1982.
It's FitzGerald and - YES - this was shot a long time ago. Check the update ("UFM2") here:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/Launch_Ultralights.htm
this video is at least 20 years old...are rules the same??
Pretty much. The problem is that about 10 years ago the FAA took away our Ultralight Training Exemption and gave us Sport Pilot - NOT a good trade.
"Notoriously unreliable ultralight engines"...well. that got my attention.
That was then. I had a Cuyuna 430 two stroke that allowed me to practice engine out technique 5 times.
Since then, my Rotax 503 DCDI has taken me all over Kansas and Northern Oklahoma without a miss. Flawless performance. It is a wonderful engine but the dumbass greenies pressured Rotax to stop making them a decade or so ago (poisonous CO2 and "global warming" you know...) and now you can only get them on the used market. Parts are still available and there are plenty of guys working on them. Find Rotax Rick in Florida and he will fix you up:
rotaxrick.wordpress.com/
Trever back in the days.
Correction:. Surfers have 4 dimensions to work with 😎✌️
Good to know!
"...due to the notoriously unreliable ultralight engines..." Wait... what? Yeah, the one thing I really don't want to do at ANY altitude is enjoy the silence. ;)
Of course, this was '94? Are the engines better now? I've always wanted to fly, but no way I can swing the full monte of lessons, licensing, and rental/purchase of a larger craft. Was really hoping an ultralight would be in my future.
Dear Dennis,
It is 2016 now and I make round trip flights of over 100 miles. Check out "The Harper Run" or "Lil Prop / Big Trip" (2009) or keyword "POV" for my most recent movies. Also you should see the update to "Beginner's Guide". It is called "UFM2". I produced it in 2009 and it will show you what you are looking for.
Of course you REALLY must learn to fly before getting into a single seat ultralight. There are some guys around who are teaching in Quicksilver 2 seaters and the like. Check with the folks at the USUA (www.usua.org/) and they might be able to direct you to one. It is harder now than it was in the 90's to get instruction but it is not impossible.
Keep me up with your progress and let your Buddies know about my UA-cam Channel (ua-cam.com/users/ThePrairiePrince).
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
103 also addresses light gliders, no engine to start with.
I've heard good things about the full case 1/2 vw engine. It's 4cycle instead of 2cycle.
Wright Brothers didn't have to follow no FAR 103 and neigther do I...
Are you still alive?
captainpegs07 Uh oh...
Haha. Guess not
Can I fly one of these if I weigh 340 pounds?
Probably not but you might look into flying Power Parachutes. I have a movie on them from a while back:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/PPC.htm
And there is also a more recent segment on PPCs in this movie:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/UFM2.htm
It depends. What's your stall speed?
Ultralight aircraft have come a long way from these days. I mean some of the ultralight aircraft look very desirable to the point I would even consider flying them. But I'm a licensed pilot in ATP. I'm not even a big fan of LSA, too light and underpowered.
Too bad. You are missing out on a lot of fun. I just bought a RANS S-12 to complement my Quicksilver MXL. Check out some of my moves by starting HERE:
www.fitzvideo.com/Pages/POVs.htm
Hi
I really like the simplicity and safety of the Easy Riser. I've built two and restored three. I never flew the one I built in 1980, I got a Cessna 150E so I could bring my wife along. Time has passed and now I guess I'll never fly it...anybody interested?
Did you get rid of it?
Did you sell your Easy Riser? if not, feel free to contact me. Thank you,
Giraldo Flies ultralights???? wow imagine that!!
You mean Geraldo Rivera??
some one stole your space bar did they? ehehe
Shame FAA regulations ruined it for people who wanted to learn to fly an Ultralight
I agree. But, they will tell you they did it for your safety... for your own good. Just like keeping everyone in masks for pretty much the entire 2020 calendar year...
Is there a newer version of this video?
It's 2019. The 80s were a long time ago.
Yes! "UFM2". You can find it on my Channel:
ua-cam.com/users/BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer
This is from 1994 and ultralights are still operating on the same principles.
Sign me up.
Macgruber
?
man i hate the FAA, too much regulation makes flying expensive and a luxury only for those with lots of money, not only that, but they had to mess with ultralights as well! the 256lb limit is half of what it is in most other countries! sometimes more than half!!! i think they set that weight so that ultralights would be small and unsafe enough so as to scare off people who might want to fly so that they feel their only safe option is to spend 10 grand on a pilots license, and that doesn't even get you a plane (which start at the same price as a small house)
Ultralight planes are LOUD!...Lol!
You got that right!
Excuse me, Surfers have 4 dimensions, moving thru... Theoretically, 7 maybe 8 or 9... lol
Which one of those dimensions is the shark's mouth?
it sux u can't have two seaters without becoming an IP instructor
You'd be surprised at how much fun flying single is. Most of the time it is more trouble to find someone to fly with you anyway...
Not a single paramotor. I guess they were still too rare.
Dear James,
This was my first movie and it is about 30 years old. I don't think there were paramotor rigs then.
Check out my update to this called "UFM2" (Ultralight Flying Millennium 2) it has a really good section on Powered Paragliders and four other types of Ultralight Flying. You can watch it here:
ua-cam.com/video/xmEY1J51PJ8/v-deo.html
Blue Skies & Tailwinds!™
Brian FitzGerald - The Sky Surfer
but show some flying then !!!!
UA-cam fragments my movies. If you want to see the whole thing you have to view it as a "playlist". You can find the playlists of my movies by going to my website first:
www.fitzvideo.com/
What ? Are there no women flyers ?
Nope.
I had one of these, and they were CRAP, I am a licensed pilot with several thousand hours of flight time. Ultralights are a cool way to get into flying and have fun. But these were just crap, the new ones are far better.
+816taylor
Dear 816,
I'm not sure what you are saying. Specifically regarding "...these were just crap, the new ones are far better."
Could you elaborate?
Later,
Brian FitzGerald
Not really, I don't feel the need or obligation to elaborate to anyone for anything. The early ultra lights were/are crap. The new ones, and I shouldn't have to say it are far better. Much safer, better built, etc,etc. You're supposed to be an experienced "sport" pilot so I shouldn't have to "elaborate" enough said.
+816taylor
Interesting. You just elaborated after saying you have no obligation to elaborate. What's with that?
You obviously think you are some great shakes but you don't know what you are talking about.
To be specific, many of the currently produced Ultralights are THE SAME DESIGNS MADE FROM THE SAME MATERIALS USING THE SAME MOTORS. DIG?
Since you apparently don't know that, you obviously are blowing smoke and have no relevant insight to share with anyone - certainly regarding this subject...
Oh, and by the way, I do have a Private License. So what?
I don't have time or inclination to continue this lame thread with you.
Bye.
Cheeseball music makes me sick. Just tell the damn story.
Let's see your movie, clown.
"Real" airplanes? Did them for over 50 years. Bottom line? BORING. You'll have more fun sitting on your couch watching TV.
Go here:
www.fitzvideo.com/
and check out some of my "POV" movies. You will get an Ultralight tomorrow.