Who else wants an ultralight glider?

Flying without engine gets very compelling nowadays with the all time high fuel prices. Fortunately its not only possible but pretty affordable - the ultralight gliders are invented exactly for this purpose.

How do ultralight gliders acually fly?

There are two major types of glider flying - the firts is when your glider is drawn from a powered airplane. At some time the rope connecting both aircraft gets released and the glider can start it's engine less fly.

The other method is through winch and tower. The glider is connected to the winch throught a rope. The winch starts rotating thus pulling the glider. Once the glider gains enough attitude the rope can be released.

One ultralight glider can fly for many hours without engine and can raise quite a good speed.

The cost of ultralight gliding

The ultralight gliders are not cheap - their prices is probably the same as the price of the ultralight airplanes. But the cost saving comes from two things.

First there is very little fuel required - just for the dragging airplane to pick you up. The winch tower method is even cheaper as the tower can rotate on electric power.

The second saving is because in some coutnries you can fly a glider without a license.

So in many cases flying an ultralight glider is easier and more affordable than flying an ultralight airplane.

The Costs Of Ultralight Flying

Is it very expensive to fly an ultralight aircraft? Compared to the private jets and other not so ultralight flying machines it's damn cheap. But unfortunately this comparisson is not enough to make us happy. So instead of trying to compare, let me share with the result of my research.

There are several "components" needed if you want to fly your own ultralight airplane:

The airplane itself. One ultralight airplane can cost more than 20 thousand dollars if new. But if you want to buy second hand aircraft, you may find it cheaper. Some ultralight trikes for example are being sold for around $5,000.

The licensing. Often this is the harder part in flying an ultralight machine. Since license is required in most countries, you will have to attend complex and expensive flying courses. In most cases you will need to prepare no less than $5,000 for the flying lessons only.

The ongoing costs. Most ultralight airplanes need proper hangering, supports, changing oil, technical inspections etc. Be ready to spend at least two thousands per year - this depends a lot on where you live.

The fuel. Unfortunately with every day emerging fuel prices you can't overlook this. The fuel is a major expense epsecially if you fly often. You can spend less on fuel if you buy an economical ultralight aircraft, for example a powered paraglider. People say there will be electric ultrtalight on the market soon, but I don't believe before I see it.

In any case, flying an ultralight aircraft is not a cheap hobby.

Ultralight Flying In Europe

How popular is ultralight flying in your area? As I am in Europe, I can mostly speak about it here. In Europe the most popular destination for ultralight flying is the United Kingdom. People in UK have a lot of flying clubs, a good market for used ultralight aircraft and a lot of traditions.

The South Europe countries also have some ultralight aviation traditions. Span for example offers very good climate and long season appropriate for ultralight flying.

I was a bit surprised to discover that there are many aviation enthusiasts in Turkey, which is not known to be a country addicted to ultralight flying.

The people in North Europe countries have less interest in ultralight flying as the climate there allows such activities only in a short period of time.

Now ultralight aviaiton just becomes popular in East Europe. As the economy situation improved there, more people started looking for adventure and leisure activities. Currently paragliding is far more popular but I am starting to see new aviation clubs to appear in East Europe so I expect to have more ultralight pilots there soon.

If you are in Europe, please share in which country you are and what are your impressions about the ultralight aviation in it.