Lets talk ultralights

[thanson]

What are your opinions on Ultralight aircraft? Please I know this is a forum but if you could give me an adequate answer as to why you do or do not like them instead of "they are garbage" it would be appreciated. I am looking for saftey, not speed or aerobatics. The land I would potentially be flying around is very flat and wide open with minimal trees, to me that makes me feel alot better should I happen to lose the engine and need to glide down to saftey.

I have been leaning towards something like the Quick silver. Anyone have any other opinions or ideas? Are regular flying lessons going to be sufficent for an ultralight? Do they handle and/or react similar to smaller Cessna's and Pipers?

I want to be as confident as I can be before I ever take one up in the air.

[Denny of Oakland]

I think you have answered your question already, yes they are safe and designed and built unlike type certificated aircraft. The designers has to add in a huge safety factor because they do not know who or what level will be building their kits.

For what you are wanting to do a LSA would meet your needs. There fly just like a C-150 maybe slower in some cases, but under 110 mph. I have cetificated over 60 of them as an FAA inspector now retired and know how well they are designed and built. Like any aircraft you have to fly within the aicraft limits and it will be safe.

I recommend an LSA there are several on the maket, but I perfer one with a rotax engine great quality in the powerplant, but it will cost a little more.