It has been 30 years that the FAA has brought forward FAR part 103 with no changes since then. We as pilots of ultralight aircraft ask that the FAA consider a change in the empty weight, stall speed, max speed and fuel capacity of ultralight aircraft for safety purposes. At an empty weight of less than 254 lbs theres just not enough structure in the aircraft for true safety and engine choice like a fourstroke that burns clean, more reliable & is not as loud as a 2 stroke engine. These proposed changes would make it safer not only for the ultralight pilot but other aircraft and the general public due to a stronger aircraft with less chance of structural failer.True ultralights are going to dissapear if we don't make a change to these standards because it's a challenge for the manufacturers to even design a safe ultralight with these standards. Also there are a lot of ex-pilots that have lost there GA license due to medical and can't get a LSA license but would love to fly again if there was an ultralight that made them feel more safe to be in. It's time to have a choice other than a lounge chair with wings. Proposed changes would be that empty weight be 184 lbs unpowered of if powered 324lbs. empty weight, max speed 69 knots., stall speed 31 knots. and fuel capacity of 8 gals. These changes are realistic and acceptable,making these needed changes will open up the market for a new breed of ultralight aircraft as well as new four stroke engine development. 

  We add to this & would agree to this if the FAA was to reach an agreement to make these changes that we as ultralight pilots would agree to having a one time registration fee of a maximum of $100 per ultralight sent to the FAA & that each ultralight would have a regisration number visable on the aircraft that would identify it as a (registerd) unlicensed ultralight aircraft. Also all  ultralight pilots would be reguired to have logged atleast 2 hours of flight time with a certified instructor performing atleast 2 takeoffs & landings in a ultralight aircraft, experimental or certified aircraft of pilots choice & receiving a permit of having done so with no expiration date! Also for even more added safety the pilot of any ultralight shall be reguired to have atleast a portable radio in the aircraft during operation to warn of his existance as well as to listen for other aircraft in area. Existing ultralight pilots would be exempt from this training having logged flight time already in ultralight aircraft but will reguire a lifetime permit at a cost of no more than $25 that says he or she is already an acomplished ultralight pilot. These established pilots will have to register their aircraft as well & all permits must be on pilot"s person when operating the aircraft like a pilots license. All of these reguirements are for safety reasons  public & personal as well as to know who is within proposed changes to FAR part 103  section 103.1. We are up for any negotiation on proposed changes to FAR part 103 section 103.1.

Thank you, 

Dennis Clayton

changefarpart103.com

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