Ultralights, Sport Aviation Expo and Penelope Pilot's Page

With the upcoming Sebring US Sport Aviation Expo, we thought it a great time to focus our latest 12 page edition of Penelope Pilot's Page on the topic of Ultralights.

According to Wikipedia, the definition of an ultralight is significantly different from that in most other countries and can lead to some confusion when discussing the topic. The governing regulation in the United States is FAR 103 Ultralight Vehicles, which specifies a powered "ultralight" as a single seat vehicle 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 or 64 mph), and a maximum stall speed not exceeding 24 knots (45 km/h or 27.6 mph). Restrictions include flying only during daylight hours and over unpopulated areas. Unpowered "ultralights" (hang gliders, paragliders, etc.) are limited to a weight of 155 lb (70 kg) with extra weight allowed for amphibious landing gear and ballistic parachute systems. For more information click on All About Ultralights - a great resource that has even more links to this exciting field of aviation!

Featured in this edition of the page is Arty, one of our Girls With Wings role models and an Ultralight Adventurer!  She is interviewed by Penelope Pilot and tells all about her training to become an ultralight pilot and her cross country flights. Arty is also a motivational speaker. Plus, there's a calendar of some fun events and a whole lesson on warm and cold fronts. There's more to weather than it just being hot or cold outside! Stick around to read about Space, a Hollywood story, and our create-aviate-navigate-communicate section. Read it all here.

And if you can make it, the US Sport Aviation Expo is being held January 19-22, 2012 in Sebring, FL. What is U.S. Sport Aviation Expo? This event with its focus on Light Sport Aircraft and the Sport Pilot certificate continues to grow in importance and attendance with a great group of exhibitors and sponsors. Exhibitors from nearly forty states and several foreign countries will show aircraft and related items. Attendees from all over the United States and a number of foreign countries will be here to see, try, fly and in some cases buy new a new plane. Exhibitors include dealers and manufacturers of aircraft, avionics, electronics and pilot supplies in addition to aircraft insurance, training systems, financial institutions. Aircraft include Power Parachutes, Trikes, AutoGyros and standard aircraft, and will include both float planes and amphibians.

Outside and inside displays are featured in addition to food booths. Special events including an exhibitor and sponsor reception and a volunteer recognition dinner are scheduled. Others will be announced as they are arranged.


Sounds like a fun time! Thanks to our editors for putting together the Penelope Pilot's Page. We always need others to contribute to the page. Please email us if you're interested.