mnischalke 0 #1 July 23, 2003 Can anybody show me laws or FAA regs governing jumping from non-certified aircraft? Seems to me that since these aircraft are not flown by FAA-certificated pilots, nor are the aircraft controlled by the FAA, anything goes as far as jumping from them--similar to a legal BASE jump. Please correct me if I am wrong. I need to gather as much info on this as possible for future reference. thanks, mike Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #2 July 23, 2003 Ultralights are covered by FAR part 103. Balloons are covered by part 91 just like any other aircraft (there's probably another section too, but they are certified and require a license to fly). Most powered parachutes are ultralights. Those that are not must be certified and require a license to fly. Jumping from a legal ultralight is ALWAYS illegal. Ultralights may never carry more than one person, unless it is being used for training. And no, you will never get the FAA to believe your skydive was a training flight. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #3 July 23, 2003 Try using part 105. Specifically, start with 105.1 (Applicability) "...This part prescribes rules governing parachute operations conducted in the United States." Next check out 105.3 (Definitions) "...Parachute Operation mean the performance of all activity for the purpose of, or in support of, a parachute jump or parachute drop..." ""Parachute Jump means a parachute operation that involves the descent of one or more persons to the surface from an aircraft in flight when an aircraft is used or intended to be used during all or part of that descent." Now check out 1.1 (Definitions) "Aircraft means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air." -tom buchananTom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #4 July 23, 2003 One thing to add... although a jump from an ultralight would be illegal, an unlicenced ultralight pilot probably has a lot less to lose (from the FAA) than a licenced pilot. So if a person wanted to make a skydive that was in violation of the FARs, an ultralight might be a good way to go. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
indyz 1 #5 July 23, 2003 QuoteOne thing to add... although a jump from an ultralight would be illegal, an unlicenced ultralight pilot probably has a lot less to lose (from the FAA) than a licenced pilot. Now I'm curious. What could the FAA do to an unrated ultralight pilot who violates the FARs in this manner? Ban/suspend him from flying? Make him ineligble to receive ratings in the future? Confiscate the aircraft? Or just say, "That was naughty, don't do it again"? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flygator 0 #6 July 23, 2003 Technically they could confiscate the ultrlaight because in order to fly a 2 seater legally you have to be a certified flight instructor. That tends to make it risky for the pilot but man is it a blast...um...from what I've ...um...heard The secret to life is not arriving at the grave in a well preserved body but sliding in sideways completely worn out yelling "holy crap" what a ride!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #7 July 23, 2003 I THINK that 2 seat ultralights can be flown solo by anyone. You'd need to be an instructor to fly it with 2 people on board. Not sure if they all meet the definition of an ultralight though. I'm not really sure what the FAA could do, other than fine the pilot (and you). I'm not sure if they have the power to confiscate an ultralight. My guess is they don't. Maybe they could keep the pilot from getting any ratings in the future... so find one that doesnt want to (or cant) become a pilot. Now I dunno why anyone would want to do this anyway. I'll stick with twin otters at 14,000 feet thank you very much. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flygator 0 #8 July 23, 2003 Hey Dave, I'm a certified ultralight flight instructor and fly under exemption #6080 in an ultralight trainer. The only legal way to fly a 2 seater ultralight is it has to be registered, carry no more than 10 gallons of fuel, weigh less than 496 lbs, and to legally fly it by myself other than actual training is for what we call in skydiving as "recurrency". It's real convenient to jump at the house during the week...not that I would...it just sounds good... The secret to life is not arriving at the grave in a well preserved body but sliding in sideways completely worn out yelling "holy crap" what a ride!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnischalke 0 #9 July 23, 2003 Thanks for the info everybody. This has really got me thinking, as I had always thot that leaving an ultralight was legal (rather, not illegal). My mind is still churning, so I still have a couple more questions just to make sure I am straight. A powered parachute with two seats that does not require a license to fly cannot fly passengers? Getting out of one would be against the FARs no matter whether you had a skydiving rig or a base rig? If a balloon were tethered to the earth, would it require a license to pilot? It's not like you're going anywhere. Could the FAA yank another FAA rating from an unlicensed pilot of an aircraft which needed no certification after having dropped a jumper? What if the jumper had FAA ratings? What about USPA ratings? If the jumper has a USPA license and an instructor rating and leaves an aircraft (certified or not) at say 500 ft with a BASE rig, would the USPA fuck with him? Thanks again! mike Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #10 July 23, 2003 Why try to beat the system? It's pretty easy to comply with Part 105. As for what the FAA could do...certificate action against any certificate held by the pilot or jumper, fines, possible jail. What would they do?...probably a certificate action against the pilot if he had one, probably a fine against the jumper and pilot if there is no certificate, but that assumes you are caught. You probably wouldn't be caught, but seriously, dude, why not just comply with 105? -tom buchananTom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnischalke 0 #11 July 23, 2003 I am just brainstorming, dude. This is all merely hypothetical. One thing, tho, ya can't comply with 105 with a single-parachute container. mike Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevin922 0 #12 July 23, 2003 Quote This is all merely hypothetical. *LOL* sssuuuurreee.. for some reason I think i know exactly where you're going with this. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnischalke 0 #13 July 23, 2003 Naaah, even if I did know of someone who may or may not have a balloon, I certainly wouldn't knowingly break any rules. Besides, I still haven't replaced my 2-pin, yet. mike Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
