General Aviation
2.0 Basic Ultra-light Aeroplanes
2.1 Definition
A basic ultra-light aeroplane shall be defined as either:
- a single-seat ultra-light aeroplane pursuant to Subpart 101, Part 1 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations;
- A two seat instructional ultra-light aeroplanes pursuant to Subpart 101, Part 1 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations; or
- an aeroplane having no more than two seats, designed and manufactured to have a maximum take-off weight of 544 kilograms and a stall speed in the landing configuration (Vso) of 39 knots (45 mph) or less indicated airspeed at the maximum take-off weight.
Note 1: For the purpose of calculation of wing area with respect of option (a) or (b), where an ultra-light aeroplane has a canard configuration, the canard surface may be credited as wing area provided that the center of gravity range lies between the mean quarter chords of the lifting surfaces. The maximum allowable contribution is the plan-area of the canard; i.e., the actual surface area multiplied by the cosine of the dihedral angle plus the fuselage area between the canard surfaces.
Note 2: Some ultra-light aeroplane kits have a specified maximum take-off weight less than the ones specified above. Though not legally required, owners of these aircraft are strongly encouraged to adhere to the manufacturer's design, assembly and maintenance specifications.
Note 3: If registering a basic ultra-light aeroplane under option (c) the following minimum useful load (Mu or Wu) calculation shall be carried out:
For a single place aeroplane
Mu = 80 + 0.3P, in kg; where P is the rated engine power in kilowatts
(Wu) = 175 + 0.5P, in lb.; where P is the rated engine power in Brake Horse Power
or
For a two place aeroplane
Mu = 160 + 0.3P, in kg; where P is the rated engine power in kilowatts
(Wu) = 350 + 0.5P, in lb. ; where P is the rated engine power in Brake Horse Power
2.2 Owner Registration
Basic Ultra-light Aeroplanes must be registered in Canada but are not issued with a flight authority document.
To become the registered owner the applicant must meet the registration requirements found in subparts 200 - 202 of Part II of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Transport Canada application form number 26-0522 is used for the initial application for registration of an ultra-light aeroplane. The application (Part 2) of the certificate of registration is used by the new owner to apply for registration of a basic ultra-light aeroplane.
The registration marks that will be issued to a basic ultra-light aeroplane will begin with "C-I???".
2.3 Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane Manufacturer/Owner Responsibility
Basic Ultra-light Aeroplanes may be built from an original design, purchased as a kit from an ultra-light aeroplane kit manufacturer or be a combination of these two possibilities. Regardless of how or where the aircraft is constructed or assembled, the responsibility to meet the design specifications and maintain the aircraft for continued safe flight rests solely with the owner of the aircraft. If the aircraft that is registered as an ultra-light aeroplane is modified so as to no longer be an ultra-light aeroplane the certificate of registration is cancelled.
Although the manufacturer of a Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane is not required to meet any criteria with respect to standards of materials, workmanship or the continuing "fit for flight" status of their product, it is strongly recommended that, in the interest of safety, Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane manufacturers use "aviation accepted" design criteria, materials and practices.
Prospective purchasers of Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane kits should be aware that kit manufacturers and part suppliers are bound by no legal requirements under the Aeronautics Act. It is strongly recommended that owners and prospective owners of Basic Ultra-light Aeroplanes avail themselves of the information and services provided by the recreational aviation industry, schools and the ultra-light aviation community.
2.4 Operating Limitations
Basic Ultra-light Aeroplanes may be operated in Canada in accordance with subsection 602.29 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. The carriage of a passenger is prohibited.
2.5 Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane Uses
In addition to private recreational use a Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane may be used for hire and reward for the purpose of pilot flight training in accordance with section 406 of Part IV of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
A basic ultra-light aeroplane MAY NOT be used for any other commercial aviation operation or aerial work.
2.6 Transborder Operations
Contracting states of ICAO have agreed to honour each other's flight authorities so long as those flight authorities are based on internationally-accepted and recognized standards. When this happens, a document called a Certificate of Airworthiness is issued in accordance with Article 31 of the ICAO Convention on Civil Aviation. Ultra-light aeroplanes in Canada are not issued with such a Certificate of Airworthiness. In fact, ultra-light aeroplanes operate in Canada without any flight authority document.
Without this document approval for flight in countries other than Canada may be difficult. Contact the appropriate foreign regulatory authority to request approval for flight into another country. Contact your nearest regional office for assistance in contacting foreign regulatory authorities.
2.7 Importing a Basic Ultra-light Aeroplane
Other countries do not regulate ultra-light aeroplanes in the same manner as they are regulated in Canada. As such, if you plan to purchase a basic ultra-light aeroplane from a manufacturer or owner outside of Canada you are encouraged to contact the nearest Transport Canada Regional Office to ensure that you are aware of all the administrative requirements before you make a financial commitment.