Advisory Circular subject:
ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE OPERATIONS -
AIRPORTS, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL,
AND WEATHER Ihate: 6/23/83 ACNo: 103-6 Initiated by: ~~-230 chrurgc:
1 0 PURPOSE. This advisory circular provides guidance for the operation of ultralight vehicles in the United States. Information includes airport and flightpark operations, how to work with air traffic control, and the availability of weather services. Additional advisory circulars ultralight vehicles may be found under series 103.
2 0 BACKGROUND l for the operation of
a. The sport of hang gliding has advanced dramatically since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first issued Advisory Circular No. 60-10, ‘*Recommended Safety Parameters for the Operation of Rang Gliders," on May 16, 1974. The purpose of that advisory circular was to provide guidance to the hang gliding community without the need for Federal regulation. The response to the guidelines of the advisory circular was excellent, and dor the period immediately following its issuance many of its safety goals were maintained. But, as the sport advanced, the performance capabilities and popularity of these vehicles increased. Many unpowered gliders became capable of soaring to altitudes more than 10,000 feet above the launch point, and flight distances could exceed 100 miles. The addition of powerplants and controllable aerodynamic surfaces created vehicles which approximate the operational capabilities of fixed-wing aircraft.
And with the greatly increased number of these vehicles, the operation of ultralight vehicles became a significant factor in aviation safety.
b. On October 4, 1982, a new Federal Aviation Regulation, Part 103, became effective and provided for the safe integration of ultralight vehicle operations into the National Airspace System. In conjunction with Part 103, the ultralight community is being encouraged to adopt good operating practices. This advisory circular is intended to assist the ultralight operator in attaining that goal.
Comments and questions concerning information contained in this advisory circular should be directed to Federal Aviation Administration, Airspace and Air Traffic Rules Branch (AAT-230), 800 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20591.
3 . EXPLANATION OF CONTENTS,
a. Chapter 1. Airports and Ultralight Flightparks. Includes information about where to takeoff and land, the operation of a flightpark, and environmental considerations.
AC 103-6 6123183 b 0 Chapter 2. Air Traffic Control and Radio Communications. Describes airspace areas, operations at airports with and without control towers, and use of a two-way radio.
c. Chapter 3. Weather Information. , Sources of weather information, and an introduction to micro-meteorology.
d l Chapter 4. Accident Information and Other Sources. What to do if you witness or are involved in an accident. Also, where to go and what to do if you need additional information on the operation of your ultralight.
4 0 - 9 l RESERVED.
CHAPTER 1. AIRPORTS AND ULTRALIGHT FLIGHTPARKS
10. WHERE TO TAKEOFF AND LAND. One of the questions most frequently asked by the ultralight pilot is, "Where can I safely and legally takeoff and land my ultralight?" The following information is designed to asaist the ultralight pilot in understanding the different types of operations, both on. and off airport, and the recommended procedures for obtaining permission to operate ultralight vehicles.
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a. Existing airports. Currently, there are approximately 16,000 public use and private airports and seaplane bases in the United States. The vast majority of these facilities may be suitable and compatible for safe ultralight operations. Information on their location may be obtained from various sources, such as FAA publications (i.e., Airport/Facility Directory, aeronautical charts, etc.) which may be purchased at most local airports. Also, user organizations have comprehensive airport listings which usually include a description of the facility.
Items to Consider
(1) Some of th ese airports have their air traffic directly controlled by an air traffic control tower. Use of these airports requires prior permission of airport management and the local air traffic control authority (see FAR Part 103.17). Since the volume of aircraft operating at these airports is usually significantly higher, ultralight operators may find operations at these airports to be less desirable than operations at uncontrolled airports.
(2) There are many airports where air traffic is not controlled by an air traffic control tower and the traffic activity level is usually low. These airports are referred to as "uncontrolled airports." Use of these airports by ultralight vehicles may require prior permission of the airport operator. When seeking access to these airports, ultralight operators should remember that even though the airport may be tax supported, airport management has the responsibility for determining the compatibility of operating the various classes of aircraft on the airport. If an ultralight can be safely operated at the airport, then permission to operate the ultralight vehicle may be granted.
Safety of aircraft operations on the airport is always the prime consideration.
b l Abandoned Airports. Since 1970, approximately 3,000 airports have been abandoned because of a lack of activity, financial problems, or other related reasons. The majority of these airports are located in rural areas, privately owned, and possibly well-suited for ultralight training and other activities.
Many state aeronautical organizations have knowledge of recently abandoned facilities and should be able to assist you in finding these sites. It may be possible to obtain permission of the property owner to reactivate certain of these facilities for ultralight operations.
c. Open Space Operating Areas. One of the prime advantages of ultralight operation is the vehicle’s ability to operate in small areas. FAR Part 103 does not prohibit ultralight takeoff and landing from open areas, providing the operation does not overfly congested areas. Good judgement still dictates that an ultralight pilot obtain prior permission from the landowner and be familiar 3
AC 103-6 6123183 with the terrain and obstructions at any location where operations are intended.
For the operation of hang gliders, special consideration should be given to the terrain surrounding the launch site. In many cases these terrain features will influence the ability of the unpowered craft to return to the launch site.
11. OPERATION OF A FLIGHTPARK. Anyone wishing to establish a site for the operation of ultralight vehicles should be aware of the following Federal, and local regulatory requirements which may apply to these operations:
state,
a. Federal' Requirements. Unless the site is to be used solely in VFR weather conditions for a period of less than 30 consecutive days with no more than 10 operations per day during this period, notification of the intent to establish a flight park is required under the provisions of FAR Part 157, Notification of Construction, Alteration, Activation, and Deactivation of Airports. FAA Form 7480-1, which is used to provide this notice (as well as guidance in its preparation) is available from any FAA regional Airports Division or Airports District/Field Office. The FAA uses the information provided in the notice to advise on the effect of the establishment of the site on the use of navigable airspace by aircraft. Advisory Circular 70-2, Airspace Utilization Considerations in the Proposed Construction, Alteration, Activation and Deactivation of Airports, describes some of the factors which affect airspace utilization. Failure to provide the required notice violates Section 901 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 and carries a possible civil penalty.
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b 0 State Requirements. Many state aviation departments require approval and a license for the establishment of a site for aeronautical operations. The potential ultralight flightpark developer should contact the state aviation authorities to determine state requirements.
c. Local Requirements. Most communities have established zoning laws, building codes, fire regulations, and other legal requirements to provide for the safety and comfort of the citizenry. A thorough study of these requirements should be made to determine their effect on the establishment and operation of an ultralight flightpark.
12 STANDARDS FOR THE FLIGHTPARK LAYOUT. The FAA has no standards for the geometric design of an airport built to exclusively serve ultralight vehicles.
However, several ultralight organizations provide information which may be useful for the establishment of an ultralight flightpark as a separate entity. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-4B, Utility Airports - Air Access to National Transportation, intended for airports serving aircraft with approach speeds less than 121 knots, provides guidance which may also be helpful in developing an operational site for ultralight aircraft.
13. NOISE CONSIDERATIONS. Perhaps the most limiting factor in the operation of ultralights is the noise emitted from the vehicle. Unless proper measures are taken in the design and operation of ultralights, public annoyance to the noise may result in restrictive local and state regulations. Acceptance by the public of recreational sport flying is significantly tied to the potential for annoyance from the vehicle’s noise.
6123183 AC 103-6
a. Significant progress has been made by ultralight manufacturers to quiet engine, exhaust, and propeller noises. As these systems continue to improve, SO will the acceptance of the ultralight vehicle. However, these improvements are only half of the story. Ultralight operation in a manner sensitive to the possible annoyance of those on the ground is the other. It is probably the most _- important factor in gaining acceptance by the general public.
b l Airport owners/operators have been trying for years to establish operations compatible with the needs of adjacent communities, The acceptance of ultralight operations by a community will depend in a large part on its perceptionof how additional operations by ultralights will affect the airport's overall compatibility with its neighbors. Careful planning by ultralight operators in integrating their vehicles into the existing operation will go a long way in making acceptance a reality, Ce The FAA has begun ultralight noise testing. Preliminary results indicate that, in absolute noise levels, the ultralight is no louder at 1,000 feet AGL than some popular two seat single engine aircraft. The slower speed of the ultralight does result in longer periods of exposure to noise and is a significant factor in the annoyance perceived from such overflight, Another consideration is the lower altitude at which many ultralight operations take place l This causes an increase in the intensity of sound during fly-over and ii a significant factor in determining the annoyance caused by noise.
d. FAR Part 103 prohibits operations of ultralights over congested areas.
Ultralight pilots should be aware that, while their vehicles may not be operating directly over congested areas, their vehicles' noise may carry to the residents of a nearby congested area.
14. FLIGHTPARK DATA. Once the ultralight flightpark is activated by the operator and the FAA is notified, an Airport Master Record (FM Form 5010-2) is prepared by the FAA. This is a computerized record of data describing the flightpark's facilities and services. Each year, a copy of this Airport Master Record is mailed to the flightpark operator with a request to verify and update the data, The information collected by the FM is available upon request to Government agencies, aviation organizations, aviation industries, and private individuals, Future informational needs for ultralight flightpark directories, charting, etc., can be supplied from computerized data summaries derived from the Airport Master Record l 15 l - 19 l RESERVED.
5 (and 6)
6123183 AC 103-6 CHAPTER 2. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS . .
20 l GENERAL. The rapid growth and popularity of ultralight vehicles and the increased number of operations require the highest degree of vigilance on the part of ultralight operators to see-and-avoid other ultralight vehicles and aircraft. Some of these operations involve authorization from air traffic control. The purpose of this chapter is to assist the ultralight operator in understanding the airspace, operations with air traffic control, and the use of radio communications.
21 0 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATc) AND AIRSPACE. Even though ultralight vehicle operators are not required to demonstrate any aeronautical knowledge or experience requirements, failure to recognize and avoid certain airspace can be hazardous and may be in violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
FAR 103.17 states that no person may operate an ultralight vehicle within an Airport Traffic Area, Control Zone, Terminal Control Area or Positive Control Area unless that person has prior authorization from the air traffic control facility having jurisdiction over the airspace. The airspace areas requiring ATC authorization -that you, as an ultralight operator, are most likely to come in contact with are the Airport Traffic Area, Control Zone and Terminal Control Area.
22. AIRSPACE AREAS.
a. What is an Airport Traffic Area (ATA)? An Airport Traffic Area is airspace within a radius of 5 statute miles from the center of an airport, with an operating control tower, that extends upward from the surface to, but not including, an altitude 3,000 feet above the elevation of an airport. For the purpose of ultralight operations, flight within the ATA requires specific authorization from the air traffic control tower. Although most ATA's are not depicted on charts, any airport symbol on the sectional chart that is blue in color indicates the presence of an air traffic control tower. During the time that tower is in operation, an ATA exists (see item h., Airspace and the Chart).
b l What is a Control Zone? A Control Zone may include one or more airports and is normally a circular area within a radius of 5 statute miles around an airport. The vertical limits of a control zone begin at the surface and extend upward to 14,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). Some control zones have rectangular extensions to include the arrival and departure paths for pilots operating primarily with reference to their aircraft instruments. The entire area of a control zone is considered controlled airspace, but not all airports have a control zone. Where a control zone exists, it is depicted on sectional charts by the use of dashed lines. For the purpose of ultralight operations, flight within the control zone requires authorization from the air traffic facility controlling that area.
c. What is a Terminal Control Area (TCA)? At the present time there are 23 Terminal Control Areas. TCA's are in place around many of the high density airports in the country. They extend *upward from the surface in the center and usually have multiple rings of airspace which extend outward horizontally. Its appearance closely resembles an inverted wedding cake, with both lower and upper limits for each ring. The presence of a TCA is characterized on a sectional
chart by blue outlines of the TCA limits around a major airport. All operations . .
within the rings of a TCA require authorization from air traffic control (see item h., Airspace and the Chart).
d 0 What is Positive Control Area (PCA)? Positive Control Area is the area which overlies the continental United states at 18,()()() feet and above. All operations conducted in PCA are done so with the authority of air traffic control. Aircraft operating at these higher altitudes are required to carry additional radio equipment and their pilots must be rated for instrument flight.
Although ultralights are not faced with specific equipment requirements for entry into PCA, ATC ‘authorization is required. Requests for such flights will be thoroughly reviewed prior to any decision to authorize operations in PCA by an ultralight. , I
e. How Do I Get ATC Authorization? Requests for authorization to operate an ultralight vehicle into one of the above named areas should be made by writing, . .
telephoning, or visi ting the air traffic control facili ty having jurisdiction over the airspace in which YOU wish to operate. Requests for such authorization via air traffic control radio communication frequencies will normally accepted, since it may interfere with the separation of aircraft.
f 0 What* is Uncontrolled Airspace? Uncontrol which air traffic control separation services are led not airspace provided is the 0 This not usually below 1,200 feet above ground established instrument approaches, the level ceili (AGL). When nearing airpor ng of uncontrolled airspace ts w usua iS ith 1lY lowers to 700 feet AGL, and, if a control zone exists, uncontrolled airspace remains outside of the control zone horizontal limits, thus putting the airport within controlled airspace. In some geographic areas, primarily west of the Mississippi River, uncontrolled airspace ceilings are above 1,200 feet AGL. This is an exception, rather than the rule. The ceiling of uncontrolled airspace may area area be in be determined by reference to Sectional (see item h., Airspace and the Chart).
Aeronautical Charts used for aviation
45. What is Controlled Airspace? Controlled airspace is the area in which air traffic control separation services are available for aircraft. The base of controlled airspace usually begins at 1,200 feet AGL and extends upward. When nearing airports with established instrument approaches the b'ase of controlled airspace usually lowers to 700 feet AGL, and, if a control zone exists, the base of controlled airspace begins at the surface within the horizontal limits of the control zone. (See Item h. Airspace and the Chart)
h. Airspace and the Chart. Sectional Aeronautical Charts, often called "sectionals", are published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and are revised on a semi-annual basis. Sectionals depict information for the use of pilots who are operating with visual reference to the earth's surface. Each sectional has a legend printed on its endflap. Of particular interest to the ultralight operator, is the portion entitled "Airport Traffic Service and Airspace Information.” This portion of the legend gives information which will enable you to locate the floor of controlled airspace, prohibited and restricted areas, TCA’s, control zones, tower controlled airports, obstructions, and other useful information. Sectional charts may be purchased
6123183 AC 103-6 from local airport operators, user organizations, and directly from the NOAA, Washington, D.C. Assistance in learning how to use sectional charts should be readily available from any FAA-certificated flight or ground instructor.
i. Special Military Activity. --
(1) There are special routes, known as Military Training Routes (MTR's), which have been developed across the country for military training in "low level" combat tactics. Generally, MTR's are established below 10,000 feet MSL for operations at speeds in excess of 250 knots and will include operations by both fighter and cargo type aircraft. The routes at 1,500 feet ACX, and below are developed primarily to be flown in visual flight weather conditions. The sectional charts depict regularly established MTR's as shaded gray lines with an associated VR or IR numbered identifier. Nonparticipating flights are not prohibited from flying within an MTR, but extra caution to see-and-avoid these operations is imperative in attaining the greatest practical level of safety.
Ultralight pilots and flightpark operators should contact the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) to obtain information on the route usage in their vicinity. Information available includes times of scheduled activity, altitudes in use, and actual route width. Route width varies for each MTR and can extend several miles on either side of the line depicted on sectional charts.
(2) Also, throughout the year, the military conducts special operations which may be held on a one-time basis in a specific geographical location.
Information pertaining to such operations is usually available through the FSS system. When requesting MTR and special activity information, ultralight operators should give the FSS their area of intended operation and permit the FSS specialist to identify the MTR routes and special activities which could be a factor. Information on FSS's may be found in paragraph 42(a).
23. TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND OPERATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF AN AIRPORT.
a. Since the speed and operating characteristics of an ultralight vehicle may be incompatible with many aircraft, it is essential that you stay alert by looking for and avoiding other traffic. Be especially aware of the possibility that a faster craft might overtake your ultralight. Ultralight operators should be especially vigilant for aircraft operating around an airport. Traffic pattern altitudes for propeller driven aircraft generally extend from 600 to 1500 feet above the ground and aircraft are often at these altitudes within 5 miles of the airport. Also, because of the possible effects of wake turbulence, operations in close proximity to aircraft of greater speed and weight should be avoided.
b l Preparatory to landing at an uncontrolled airport, the pilot should be concerned with landing direction indications on the airport. Such indicators include wind socks, wind tees, tetrahedrons, traffic pattern indicators, and the direction of other fixed-wing operations.
c. Wind socks operate freely and are subject to the forces of wind for direction. Wind tees may move freely or be aligned manually indicating the preferred landing direction. A tetrahedron is a large kite-shaped indicator sometimes located beside the runway and may move freely or be set manually. The small end of the tetrahedron points in the preferred direction of landing.
AC 103-6 6123183 d Many airports have standardized traffic patterns which rely on all turns in th; pattern being made to the left.
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Traffic pattern indicators are used when there is a variation from the normal left traffic pattern. They are located either in a segmented circle with the wind sock or tetrahedron, or may be located near the end of the applicable runway. , If the pilot will mentally enlarge the indicator for the runway to be used, the direction of turns will become readily apparent. Airports which have parallel runways may have both left and right traffic patterns operating at the same time.
e. Also, some airports may have a specific area designated for ultralight operations. ’ Look for any indications that landings are to be made on other than the main runway and adjust your flight path so as to not conflict with operations to the main runway.
f 0 Regardless of wind indicators or traffic patterns, it is wise to scan the airport surface and the surrounding airspace for flights that may be operating in a different manner. The governing factor as to which runway is in use is the direction and strength of the wind. It is the responsibility of pilots to determine the safe landing direction for their craft. The indicators are there to assist you in operating safely, but they are not meant to be a substitute for careful vigilance and good judgement.
Application of Traffic Pattern Indicators Pattern would be the opposite) INDICATORS \ dl
24. OPERATIONS AT AIRPORTS WITH A CONTROL TOWER. If you are operating into or out of an airport with a control tower expect to be segregated from all nonultralight aircraft in the traffic pattern, in the use of runways, and on the airport surface. Please take special notice of the word "segregate." FAA air traffic controllers have been advised to authorize ultralight operations only if they will not interfere with and can be kept relatively clear of normal aircraft operations. Certificated aircraft. receive separation services. These will not be available to ultralight pilots. Rather, ultralight pilots will be expected to 10
6123183 AC 103-6 separate themselves from each other and also to remain clear of all normal aircraft operations. When requesting to operate at a tower controlled airport, or within the airport traffic area, expect the controllers to provide YOU instructions as to what areas to avoid. These instructions may include route and altitude information as well as a specified landing area. Specific times during which to operate may also be authorized. For operators equipped with two-way radios, see paragraph 25. It is important that ultralight operators understand the responsibility for avoiding a conflict with aircraft and other ultralights is theirs, and theirs alone.
25. USE OF A TWO-WAY RADIO. The following information provides guidelines for the use of a two-way radio while operating an ultralight.
a. Communications with Air Traffic Control. In all radio communications with air traffic control, ultralight operators should state the word "ultralight" followed by the call letters assigned by the F.C.C. on your radio license, i.e., "Ultralight 12593U." Use of the following radio communication practices will result in the controller having a better understanding of your request and enhance the safety of your flight.
(1) Determine the correct frequency from a Sectional Aeronautical Chart.
(2) Contact the air traffic control tower prior to entering the area for . which you are requesting authorizaton.
(3) Speak slowly and distinctly. If you do not get an immediate reply, wait a few moments, then repeat your request. The controller may be busy and you may not be hearing all of the transmissions the controller is hearing.
(4) State the facility you are calling, your ultralight identification, altitude, ' and location relative to the airport. Example: "Sample Tower, Ultralight 12593U Six Miles Southwest at 1,000 feet." If you are on the ground at the airport, give your position on the airport.
(5) Wait for the tower to respond before stating any further information.
(6) Once two-way communications are established, briefly state your request.
(7) Keep in mind at all times your responsibility to remain clear of all other aircraft and ultralights. Further, remember your responsibility to remain clear of any area for which an authorization is required, but has not been received.
(8) On occasion, air traffic control will deny authorization to operate in a specific area. This is not unique to ultralights. At times, certificated pilots in sophisticated aircraft are also denied access to certain areas.
Factors affecting authorization are the nature of the requested operation, the effect on other operations that may already be taking place, controller workload, and equipment or facility limitations. The ultimate reason remains the same...SAFETY.
AC 103-6 6123183 b 0 Communications at Uncontrolled Airports.
(1) An uncontrolled airport is an airport without a control tower or where the control tower is not currently in operation. This does not mean that two-way communications are not used. Quite the contrary. A considerable amount of useful information is passed back and ‘forth among pilots and the operators of airport advisory frequencies. Information such as runway in use, surface winds, other aircraft known to be in the area, and any unusual activities, such as parachuting, may be available.
(2) There are three primary ways for ultralight operators, who are radio equipped, to communicate their intentions and obtain airport/traffic information when operating at a landing area that does not have an operating control tower:
(i> by communicating with an FAA flight service station located on the airport;
(ii) by communicating with a local airport advisory operator located at the airport; or
(iii) bY making self-announce broadcasts of intentions over a commonly used frequency for operations at that airport.
(3) The key to communicating at uncontrolled airports is selection of the correct Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). A more detailed explanation of CTAF and traffic advisory practices and good operating procedures can be found in FAA Advisory Circular 904X and the Airman's Information Manual.
Additionally, the Airport/Facility Directory provides information on which frequency to use at a particular airport.
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c. Traffic Advisory Practices at Uncontrolled Airports. In all radio communications, ultralight operators should state the word "ultralight" followed by the call letters assigned by the F.C.C. on your radio license, i.e., "Ultralight 1259313".
(1) Select the correct frequency, many of which can be found on Sectional Aeronautical Charts.
(2) Contact the airport advisory service prior to entering the area or departing the airport.
(3) Speak slowly and distinctly. If you do not get an immediate reply, wait a few moments and repeat your request. Please note that pilots announcing their departure are not normally acknowledged.
(4) State the facility or airport you are calling, your ultralight identification, your location relative to the airport, and your intended operation. Example: “Leesburg, Ultralight 12593U is 5 Miles North, Landing.'*
(5) If you still do not get a reply, proceed cautiously toward the airport. If departing the airport, be careful to visually clear the area in all directions prior to entering the takeoff area. Remain on the proper radio frequency and listen for any aircraft which may be in the area.