EAA Introduces New Procedures in Light of Past Accidents

Ultralight and sportplane aviation represents a new, innovative way of flying that is completely unique from all others. It involves powered parachutes, rotorcraft, gyrocopters/autogyro, and sometimes traditional fixed-wing aircraft. All of these lighter types, ultralight-wise, must have one thing in common: an empty weight that does not exceed 254 pounds  -- but they all share a lightplane area at the south end of Wittman Field.

Getting started with Ultralight flying is a comparatively simple process, with no formal licensing required. Training, of course, is (practically) mandatory, and Ultralight pilots are still required to operate under FAA’s rules in 14 CFR 103. While this creates an affordable and genuine experience, the lack of regulation raises concerns about safety.

Last year, the light aircraft community -- on one of the closing days of Oshkosh -- experienced a mid-air collision. The aircraft involved were a homebuilt helicopter, Rotorway 162F, and an LSA gyroplane, ELA Eclipse 10. The following NTSB reports explained that the Gyro pilot made an unusual spacing turn while in the pattern, and collided with the helicopter, sending them both toward the ground.

“People just don’t realize the danger of this… they treat it like you’re riding a bicycle,” said David Gonzalez, a representative from ELA Aviation. “I’ve been flying all my life, all types of different planes. Jets, like F-18s… and now, I have an ultralight. I take that more seriously than I did the F-18.”

As the events of this year’s Oshkosh Airventure kick-off, there are several new procedures in place to improve safety. They have worked to employ a one-strike policy, improve safety briefings, and regulate traffic spacing and pattern procedures. EAA Chairman Jack Pelton explains that these updates “come with some burdens… it’s a longer pattern for the Ultralights than it used to be… it’s unfortunate, but we take this stuff as serious as anyone can take it.”

FMI: www.eaa.org