Definition
A class of single-occupant powered or unpowered aircraft regulated under 14 CFR Part 103 rather than as certificated aircraft. To qualify, a powered ultralight must weigh less than 254 pounds empty, carry no more than 5 U.S. gallons of fuel, have a top speed of 55 knots or less in level flight, and stall at no more than 24 knots. Unpowered ultralights must weigh less than 155 pounds. Ultralights may only be used for recreation or sport, may carry only one occupant, and require no airworthiness certificate, registration, or pilot certificate to operate.
Plain English
A very small, lightweight, single-seat flying machine that the FAA treats as a 'vehicle' rather than a regular aircraft. Because it's so small and slow, the rules are much lighter — no pilot's licence, no aircraft registration, and no medical needed — but it can only be flown for fun and only by one person at a time.
Context Anchor
Seen when comparing aircraft categories and learning which flying machines require normal aircraft certification, registration, and pilot certification.
Derivation
Ultra-' comes from Latin meaning 'beyond' or 'extremely,' and 'light' refers to weight. Together the term signals 'beyond ordinary light' — meaning aircraft so light they fall below the FAA's threshold for being regulated as a normal aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Allows recreational flying with minimal regulatory barriers while requiring strict adherence to weight and performance limits to maintain safety.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “ultralight” means any small or lightweight airplane. In FAA use, an ultralight vehicle must meet specific Part 103 limits; otherwise, it may be treated as an aircraft that needs normal certification and operating approvals.
Example Sentence 1
Because his powered paraglider weighed under 254 pounds and carried only one occupant, it qualified as an ultralight vehicle under Part 103.
Example Sentence 2
Before takeoff the operator confirmed the ultralight vehicle met the empty-weight limit of 254 pounds.