Ultra-light Aeroplane Transition Strategy - 4.0 Pilot Privileges

4.0  Pilot Privileges

4.1  Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane

Under the new CARs this document replaces the Private Pilot Licence - Ultra-light Aeroplane. The CARs have not changed the privileges of the Ultra-light pilot to incorporate the broader privileges allowed for by the Ultra-light Aeroplane Policy issued in 1991.

To address this, revised privileges for the ultra-light aeroplane pilot permit are set out in a General Aviation Policy Letter Number GA-97-15, attached to this strategy as Appendix "D".

The Policy Letter allows for the operation of aeroplanes that are similar in design and performance to ultra-light aeroplanes and allows for the carriage of another person if that person holds a pilot document that affords them the privilege to fly an ultra-light aeroplane in Canada. i.e. an ultra-light pilot can carry another ultra-light pilot as a passenger.

4.2  Passenger Carrying by Ultra-light Aeroplane Pilots

Passenger carrying in any aspect of aviation is a two-part equation. The first is that the aircraft must meet a recognized standard of design, construction and maintenance. The second is that the pilot must be appropriately trained and have the privilege to carry a passenger.

Therefore the minimum pilot qualification required to fly a passenger in any single engine aeroplane is a Pilot Permit - Recreational. The minimum aircraft category that may carry a passenger is an Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplane.

The Policy Letter found in Appendix "D" of this strategy appears to conflict with this philosophy by allowing two pilots to fly together in a basic or advanced ultra-light aeroplane. The risk in these two situations has been deemed to be acceptable and the rationale is explained in the following paragraphs.

Where the aircraft is an advanced ultra-light aeroplane, allowing two pilots to fly together is viewed as an acceptable risk given the aircraft is acceptable for passenger carriage and either individual is considered qualified to fly the aircraft. In the case of a basic ultra-light aeroplane, although the aircraft is not fully acceptable for passenger carriage, the second person, who is a pilot, is deemed to be aware of the risks associated with flying in this category of aircraft.

The Recreational Aviation Review Project has resulted in the agreement that ultra-light pilots may be able to carry a passenger by obtaining additional training equivalent to the Pilot Permit - Recreational. However, the requirements to obtain this privilege have yet to be determined.

4.3  Flight Instructor Rating - Ultra-light Aeroplane

The Commercial Pilot Licence - Ultra-light Aeroplane has been replaced by a Flight Instructor Rating endorsed on the Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane. There is no change to the privileges. Ultra-light Instructors can provide flight training on ultra-light aeroplanes (basic and advanced) towards the Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane.