Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplanes (AULA) in Canada
Preface: In Canada, if you have an Ultralight Pilot License, you are allowed to fly ANY Canadian-registered aircraft that meets the definition of a Canadian ultralight (i.e. gross weight less than 1,232 lbs and stall speed less than 45 mph) REGARDLESS of the category that the aircraft is registered in! This means that if you have built a light-enough Zenair CH 601, CH 701 (or even a CH 650 or STOL CH 750) and have registered it as a light-enough "home-built" (Amateur-Built) aircraft, you can fly the aircraft with your ultralight Pilot License! For additional information on the privileges of ultralight pilots, contact your local ultralight instructor.
Now, if you still want to register your light-enough aircraft as an "Advanced Ultralight" (AULA), for example if you want to use your plane for commercial/instructional purposes, then see below for the applicable requirements:
Now, if you still want to register your light-enough aircraft as an "Advanced Ultralight" (AULA), for example if you want to use your plane for commercial/instructional purposes, then see below for the applicable requirements:
Canada has a unique set of "advanced" Ultra-Light regulations which offers special rights and privileges, along with special responsibilities. It is important to fully understand the intent of the regulations in order to take full advantage of what they allow. For example, a 2-seat aircraft registered as an AULA allows for carrying a passenger and can be used for dual instructions. The same 2-seat aircraft, if only registered as a basic ultralight, may only be flown solo... Wikipedia offers a concise overview of ultralights for Canadians.
Buying and building a kit to be registered as an Advanced Ultralight (AULA):
The reason special privileges are recognized for AULA is because the exact configuration of every aircraft is known to Transport Canada: every model (i.e. CH 701) of an AULA has an original "reference aircraft" that was initially approved by authorities. The reference aircraft has been "FIXED", meaning every subsequent AULA of this model must be an exact duplicate of the "reference aircraft".
To ensure that the aircraft will always meet the originally-approved design, a builder/owner is not allowed to make any modifications to a Canadian AULA, whether purchased complete or in kit form. A manufacturer may approve minor changes, but only after a lengthy process to modify the "reference aircraft" with Transport Canada. The designs of the CH 701 and Zodiac series are fixed and defined by the current drawings. To ensure consistency and quality of parts and components, Transport Canada does not allow an amateur builder to build an AULA from drawings-only. Every amateur-built advanced ultralight must therefore be built from an airframe kit.
When the original builder/owner registers a new aircraft as an AULA, he/she will be required to send a Statement of Conformity (SOC) to Transport Canada - issued by the manufacturer - which states that this particular aircraft conforms to the original design. When that advanced ultralight is subsequently sold, each new owner will need to provide a Fit For Flight Form (FFFF) with which Transport Canada is assured that "the aircraft has not been altered" and that it still "meets the design standards".
If unauthorized changes are made to an AULA, or, if the manufacturer’s maintenance or repair requirements are not met, the AULA automatically reverts to the operational limits of a basic ultralight aeroplane, that is, permission to carry passengers and to potentially operate in controlled airspace are lost. Please read the regulations for full details.
AULA Operations:
An ultra-light pilot permit, recreational pilot permit, private, commercial or airline transport aeroplane license issued by Transport Canada, is required in order for a person to operate an ultra-light aeroplane in Canada. Pilots holding a Recreational or higher license may carry a passenger in a two-seat advanced ultra-light aeroplane. Pilots with only an ultra-light permit or flying a basic ultra-light aeroplane may not carry a passenger. See HERE for more Pilot licensing details from UPAC.
Because Transport Canada has assurances from the manufacturer as well as from the owner that an AULA meets certain minimum standards (see above), operators are authorized to carry a passenger (if they have an PPL or higher license).
Advanced ultralights can be used for ultralight flight training. The requirement for the pilot to wear a helmet does not apply, and if the AULA meets the Day VFR Equipment requirements (CARs 605.14), it is allowed access to controlled airspace. As long as the aircraft owner complies with the requirements of the manufacturer, the aircraft can be operated as an AULA.
Why register my Zenair as an Advanced Ultralight aeroplane:
You can fly it with a Recreational Permit, carry a passenger, use the aircraft for flight training, etc.
Click here for a list of the steps required to register your Zenair design as an AULA.
Note: Requirements will vary slightly from one manufacturer to another.
How to obtain a Statement of Conformity (SOC) from Zenair:
Zenair will, at its discretion, issue a SOC for any kit-built AULA that meets the standards of the "Reference aircraft" approved by Transport Canada. In order to do this, Zenair must exercise due diligence to insure that the candidate aircraft is in compliance with the drawings (the standards). The following conditions and requirements must be followed in order to qualify for a SOC from Zenair.
1) Zenair will only issue a SOC for a NEW aircraft (one that has never flown prior to the SOC request).
2) There is a processing fee for issuing a SOC; this fee will be due with the completed SOC application form.
3) When starting your kit, you must use the Amateur-Built procedure that includes a pre-closing inspection by an MD-RA inspector. This step will provide added peace of mind to pilots and all future owners of the aircraft: Yes, it was properly assembled and officially checked when assembled. This pre-closing inspection should also add re-sale value to the aircraft. For these reasons, and to ensure maximum safety, Zenair requests that all of its kit builders have a pre-closing inspection. Note: This inspection is a requirement (NOT an option) if the builder/owner wishes to receive a SOC from Zenair.
4) Once the aircraft is finished and ready to fly, you will need to hire the services of a Transport Canada certified AME to inspect your aircraft for confirmation that the aircraft complies with the airframe drawings as well as engine and propeller manuals.
Zenair will only issue a SOC after receiving a copy of the pre-closing inspection and written confirmation from the AME - and from the builder - that the aircraft conforms to the standards and is fit for flight. Zenair reserves the right to refuse issuance of a SOC at its discretion.
Zenair Ltd. will not issue a SOC for any aircraft that is already flying: Airframe, engine, propeller, etc. must all be NEW. Most AULA manufacturers have similar policies in place. Click here for steps to registration. See here for a list of other Aircraft Categories available in Canada (from UPAC)
Note: The application process for a SOC is identical whether the aircraft is built by the owner or by a Build-Center.
Buying and building a kit to be registered as an Advanced Ultralight (AULA):
The reason special privileges are recognized for AULA is because the exact configuration of every aircraft is known to Transport Canada: every model (i.e. CH 701) of an AULA has an original "reference aircraft" that was initially approved by authorities. The reference aircraft has been "FIXED", meaning every subsequent AULA of this model must be an exact duplicate of the "reference aircraft".
To ensure that the aircraft will always meet the originally-approved design, a builder/owner is not allowed to make any modifications to a Canadian AULA, whether purchased complete or in kit form. A manufacturer may approve minor changes, but only after a lengthy process to modify the "reference aircraft" with Transport Canada. The designs of the CH 701 and Zodiac series are fixed and defined by the current drawings. To ensure consistency and quality of parts and components, Transport Canada does not allow an amateur builder to build an AULA from drawings-only. Every amateur-built advanced ultralight must therefore be built from an airframe kit.
When the original builder/owner registers a new aircraft as an AULA, he/she will be required to send a Statement of Conformity (SOC) to Transport Canada - issued by the manufacturer - which states that this particular aircraft conforms to the original design. When that advanced ultralight is subsequently sold, each new owner will need to provide a Fit For Flight Form (FFFF) with which Transport Canada is assured that "the aircraft has not been altered" and that it still "meets the design standards".
If unauthorized changes are made to an AULA, or, if the manufacturer’s maintenance or repair requirements are not met, the AULA automatically reverts to the operational limits of a basic ultralight aeroplane, that is, permission to carry passengers and to potentially operate in controlled airspace are lost. Please read the regulations for full details.
AULA Operations:
An ultra-light pilot permit, recreational pilot permit, private, commercial or airline transport aeroplane license issued by Transport Canada, is required in order for a person to operate an ultra-light aeroplane in Canada. Pilots holding a Recreational or higher license may carry a passenger in a two-seat advanced ultra-light aeroplane. Pilots with only an ultra-light permit or flying a basic ultra-light aeroplane may not carry a passenger. See HERE for more Pilot licensing details from UPAC.
Because Transport Canada has assurances from the manufacturer as well as from the owner that an AULA meets certain minimum standards (see above), operators are authorized to carry a passenger (if they have an PPL or higher license).
Advanced ultralights can be used for ultralight flight training. The requirement for the pilot to wear a helmet does not apply, and if the AULA meets the Day VFR Equipment requirements (CARs 605.14), it is allowed access to controlled airspace. As long as the aircraft owner complies with the requirements of the manufacturer, the aircraft can be operated as an AULA.
Why register my Zenair as an Advanced Ultralight aeroplane:
You can fly it with a Recreational Permit, carry a passenger, use the aircraft for flight training, etc.
Click here for a list of the steps required to register your Zenair design as an AULA.
Note: Requirements will vary slightly from one manufacturer to another.
How to obtain a Statement of Conformity (SOC) from Zenair:
Zenair will, at its discretion, issue a SOC for any kit-built AULA that meets the standards of the "Reference aircraft" approved by Transport Canada. In order to do this, Zenair must exercise due diligence to insure that the candidate aircraft is in compliance with the drawings (the standards). The following conditions and requirements must be followed in order to qualify for a SOC from Zenair.
1) Zenair will only issue a SOC for a NEW aircraft (one that has never flown prior to the SOC request).
2) There is a processing fee for issuing a SOC; this fee will be due with the completed SOC application form.
3) When starting your kit, you must use the Amateur-Built procedure that includes a pre-closing inspection by an MD-RA inspector. This step will provide added peace of mind to pilots and all future owners of the aircraft: Yes, it was properly assembled and officially checked when assembled. This pre-closing inspection should also add re-sale value to the aircraft. For these reasons, and to ensure maximum safety, Zenair requests that all of its kit builders have a pre-closing inspection. Note: This inspection is a requirement (NOT an option) if the builder/owner wishes to receive a SOC from Zenair.
4) Once the aircraft is finished and ready to fly, you will need to hire the services of a Transport Canada certified AME to inspect your aircraft for confirmation that the aircraft complies with the airframe drawings as well as engine and propeller manuals.
Zenair will only issue a SOC after receiving a copy of the pre-closing inspection and written confirmation from the AME - and from the builder - that the aircraft conforms to the standards and is fit for flight. Zenair reserves the right to refuse issuance of a SOC at its discretion.
Zenair Ltd. will not issue a SOC for any aircraft that is already flying: Airframe, engine, propeller, etc. must all be NEW. Most AULA manufacturers have similar policies in place. Click here for steps to registration. See here for a list of other Aircraft Categories available in Canada (from UPAC)
Note: The application process for a SOC is identical whether the aircraft is built by the owner or by a Build-Center.
What engines can I install on a Zenair AULA?
At this time (2016) Zenair will only issue SOC for Rotax-powered aircraft. Only factory-new engines may be installed. Firewall forward installation kit must be purchased from Zenair and installation must be according to owner's manual(s).
Note: Other engines may be installed (Jabiru, ULPower, Viking, Continental, Lycoming, Corvair, etc.) on the same airframes if the aircraft will be registered in the "amateur-built" (Experimental) category.
Minimum useful load of an AULA:
It is important to remember that the maximum gross weight of an AULA is set at 1,232 lbs. An AULA must also have a minimum useful load, MU or WU computed as follows:
|
For a two place aeroplane: MU = 350 + 0.5P, in lb; where P is the rated engine(s) power in bhp). ie. For an AULA with a Rotax 912ULS, the maximum empty weight is 350+(100*.5)=400 less a gross weight of 1,232 = 832 lbs. |
For a complete list of the steps required to register your Zenair design as an AULA, Click here.
Note that Zenair Ltd. reserves the right to not issue a SOC for whatever reason.
For more information, please call Zenair Ltd. at 705-526-2871
Note that Zenair Ltd. reserves the right to not issue a SOC for whatever reason.
For more information, please call Zenair Ltd. at 705-526-2871
Additional Considerations: Why would you register an aircraft as an Amateur Built?
Some reasons include: You can build it from drawings;
You can make modifications to the design (customize);
You can install different / larger / used engines;
You can increase the gross weight;
You can also sell it more easily in the USA as an "Experimental" equivalent (the AULA
category does not exist in the US - or in any other country).
Some reasons include: You can build it from drawings;
You can make modifications to the design (customize);
You can install different / larger / used engines;
You can increase the gross weight;
You can also sell it more easily in the USA as an "Experimental" equivalent (the AULA
category does not exist in the US - or in any other country).
Zenair strongly recommends that Canadian kit-aircraft builders join the Recreational Aircraft Association (RAA). Much information and support can be obtained by participating in local RAA Chapter meetings and special events; once flying, you'll also be able to share your knowledge and experience with newcomers to the sport.
UPAC (Ultralight Pilots Association of Canada), is the national voice for Canadian Ultralight Pilots. It is HIGHLY recommended by Zenair that all Canadian ultralight pilots and owners be current and engaged UPAC members. Share your joy for flying and support your ultralight advocacy group!
More AULA information at http://www.copanational.org/Ultralights.cfm
In the US, join the EAA!
UPAC (Ultralight Pilots Association of Canada), is the national voice for Canadian Ultralight Pilots. It is HIGHLY recommended by Zenair that all Canadian ultralight pilots and owners be current and engaged UPAC members. Share your joy for flying and support your ultralight advocacy group!
More AULA information at http://www.copanational.org/Ultralights.cfm
In the US, join the EAA!
Aircraft Inspections & Flight Testing & Training
Zenair does not inspect or flight test customers' aircraft, however, there are many independent mechanics and/or pilots who do.
For a list of these known to work of Amateur-Built (Experimental) or Advanced Ultralights (AULA), contact the RAA or UPAC.
For pilots possibly available for flight testing and/or flight instruction in a Zenair design, please see here.
For a list of these known to work of Amateur-Built (Experimental) or Advanced Ultralights (AULA), contact the RAA or UPAC.
For pilots possibly available for flight testing and/or flight instruction in a Zenair design, please see here.
For information on how to register your Amateur-Built / Experimental aircraft in Canada, click HERE.