Lighter Than Air
There are lighter-than-air ultralights, including “backpack balloons” and even powered airships.
Types of Ultralights
What kind of ultralight are you looking to fly? Explore the many different types of ultralights to determine what is best for you.
Powered Fixed-Wing
From basic open-frame designs at one end of the spectrum to fully enclosed cockpits and streamlined designs at the other.
Powered Parachutes / Powered Gliders
Parafoil-type wings with a gas engine or electric motor to provide forward propulsion.
Trikes / Weight-Shift
Trikes are available in both single-seat ultralight versions as well as two-seat light-sport aircraft.
Unpowered (Gliders/Sailplanes)
There are a number of popular unpowered designs for those pilots looking for the joy and serenity of silent flight.
While ultralight aircraft are, by definition, single-seaters, in some cases there are similar two-seater types available for demonstration flights or instruction. You can contact the manufacturer of a particular type directly, or just reach out to EAA headquarters or your local EAA Ultralight Chapter to find out how and where you can take that first flight.
