the Australian Light Sport Category

What's an “ultralight”? Well there is no internationally recognised definition that covers all aircraft types usually regarded as 'ultralight', but it's a powered aircraft intended for experimental, educational or recreational purposes mostly designed to cruise at speeds below 110 knots (200 km/hr) although the ultralight world speed record in the under 300 kg class is 179 knots (330 km/hr).

There are many airframe configurations covered in the various ultralight categories from the minimum single-seat aircraft built at home with aluminium tubing and sail cloth to the ultra-modern two seaters factory built from carbon fibre reinforced polymers. The only thing these craft have in common is that they fly safely and — in Australia — they must have valid RA-Aus registration and weigh less than a stipulated standard when fully loaded; 300 kilograms (660 pounds) for the non-certificated single-seater you design and build yourself from scratch, up to 544 kg (1200 lbs) for a single engine, two-seater built by the owner(s) from a factory supplied kit. The latter can be extended to 614 kg if floats are fitted.
 

General License Requirements

You must be a member of Recreational Aircraft Australia to fly any Ultralight aircraft.

Medical Requirements

You must meet the health and fitness requirements to maintain a driver's license in Australia
If you are in doubt regarding you health, we recommend you seek the advice of an Aviation Medical Examiner

Age Requirements

The minimum age to learn is 15 years. There is no maximum age.
Students under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian.

Hours Required for a Pilot License

Student without previous flying experience

MINIMUM of 20 hours for Restricted License
Further 5 hours for Cross-Country Endorsement
Conversion of existing pilots license or experience

5 Hours minimum for General Aviation to Ultralight endorsement
5 Hours minimum for Gliding Certificate to Ultralight endorsement