Get a UL Flight Certificate

Apply for UL certificate or UL type-rating training

About certificates for ultralight aircraft (see TSFS 2021:26)

The Swedish Transport Agency issues UL certificates and associated ratings. With a UL certificate you are permitted to fly national ultralight aircraft or national light aircraft in the category and with the ratings for which you have completed training.

Ultralight gyroplanes (UL-Gyro)

The UL-Gyro class in Sweden is limited to 600 kg maximum take-off weight (MTOM) and VFR (Visual Flight Rules) only. The maintenance, training and flying regulations are almost the same as for heavier aircraft but still somewhat simpler. Lower weight means lower fuel consumption and thus lower flying costs. Light aircraft are somewhat more sensitive to wind, which is why our training is thorough and demanding, giving you the knowledge to handle flight in more challenging weather conditions.

Gyroplane principles and the handling of a UL-Gyro on the ground and in the air differ quite substantially from conventional fixed-wing ultralight aircraft (UL-B) and weight-shift trikes (UL-A). Training in this class consists of a comprehensive ground theory syllabus and carefully structured practical training in accordance with the Transport Agency's and KSAK's standards.

Under current Swedish regulations, gyroplanes (gyroplanes) that meet the requirements for classification as ultralight aircraft fall under the same category as other NUF, UL-A and UL-B aircraft (with one important difference: UL-A and UL-B MTOM is 450 kg whereas NUF-Gyro MTOM may be up to 600 kg). In practice this means that after a type-conversion course you can fly several different types of aircraft on the same certificate.

Ultralight fixed-wing aeroplanes (UL-B)

An established class (limited to 450 kg MTOM) and growing in popularity, thanks to low operating costs and relatively liberal maintenance regulations. Flown on a UL certificate, the same as for gyroplanes and weight-shift trikes.

Advantages: Slightly lower fuel consumption and slightly faster than gyroplanes. Less vibration. Longer service life. Nostalgic and classic 🙂

Disadvantages: More sensitive to wind than gyroplanes. Also requires a longer landing run and more hangar space.

Ultralight weight-shift aeroplanes (UL-A, trikes)

Advantages of UL-A are that the aircraft are somewhat cheaper. A disadvantage of trikes is that they are quite sensitive to wind.

Who can get a UL certificate?

Prospective pilots with no flying experience need to complete basic training at a flight school. A trial flight is the best way to start.

PPL or LAPL holders can fly gyroplanes after completing a type-conversion course. The new rating is added to the pilot's certificate (UL appendix). Flying costs drop dramatically and a new world opens up with the kind of performance that gyroplanes offer. A minimum of 10 flight hours of training is required if you have no prior experience with rotary wings.

UL-A or UL-B certificate holders may fly light gyroplanes on their UL certificate after a type-conversion course (a minimum of 10 training hours at conversion is required).

Glider certificate holders may receive abbreviated training towards a UL certificate at the chief flight instructor's discretion — in practice a relatively short and affordable course, though not fewer than 10 flight hours, which is the minimum for fixed-to-rotary conversion. The insurance may require more training hours.

Certificate validity

Your certificate is valid for as long as your LAPL medical — five years if you are aged 17 to 40, and two years if you are older. Renewal medical examinations do not need to be carried out by certified aviation doctors; your regular GP is sufficient. For your certificate to remain valid you must fly at least 12 hours during the year and carry out a check flight with an instructor every two years. The check flight can replace the requirement for flying at least 12 hours and a minimum number of take-offs per year.