UltraFlight Radio - Ultralight Aircraft Flight Visibility

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This web page was put together specifically to talk about two segments on the UltraFlight Radio Show regarding flight visibility for ultralight aircraft operations. Below is an excerpt of FAR Part 103 and more.

Jim Sweeney, NAPPF President and USUA Board Member
"Visibility Requirements for Ultralights". The ability to see and be seen while flying is basic to safety. Jim Sweeney walks us through the visibility rules laid out by the FAA for ultralight aircraft. (Part 1) (12/2/03)

Sec. 103.11 - Daylight operations.

(a) No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, ultralight vehicles may be operated during the twilight periods 30 minutes before official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset or, in Alaska, during the period of civil twilight as defined in the Air Almanac, if:

(1) The vehicle is equipped with an operating anticollision light visible for at least 3 statute miles; and

(2) All operations are conducted in uncontrolled airspace.

Sec. 103.21 Visual reference with the surface

No person may operate an ultralight vehicle except by visual reference with the surface.

Sec. 103.23 Flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements

No person may operate an ultralight vehicle when the flight visibility or distance from clouds is less than that in the table found below. All operations in Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D airspace or Class E airspace designated as an airport must receive prior ATC authorization as required in 103.17 of this part.

Airspace	Flight Visibility	Distance from Clouds
Class A	Not applicable	Not applicable
Class B	3 Statute Miles	Clear of Clouds
Class C	3 Statute Miles	500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
Class D	3 Statute Miles	500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
Class E
Less than 10,000 feet MSL	3 statute miles	500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
At or Above 10,000 feet MSL	5 statute miles	1,000 feet below 1,000 feet above 1 statute mile horizontal
Class G
1200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude)	1 Statute Mile	Clear of Clouds
More than 1200 feet above the surface, but less than 10,000 feet MSL	1 Statute Mile	500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
More than 1200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL	5 Statute Miles	1,000 feet below 1,000 feet above 1 statute mile horizontal

Airspace Classification at a Glance

MSL - Mean Sea Level
AGL - Above Ground Level
FL- Flight Level