SGK logotyp Skånska Gyrokopterklubben

Ultralight Certificate

Aircraft classes, requirements and validity

National Ultralight Gyroplanes — NUF UL-Gyro class (gyrocopter, autogyro)

Gyroplanes that belong to the National Ultralight Aircraft (NUF) class in Sweden are limited to a maximum take-off weight (MTOM) of 600 kg and may only be flown under VFR (Visual Flight Rules). Maintenance, training and flying regulations are based on the same rules as for heavier aircraft, but remain somewhat simpler.

Low weight means lower fuel consumption, resulting in 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 handling on the ground and in the air differ quite substantially from fixed-wing ultralight aircraft (UL-B) and weight-shift ultralight aircraft (UL-A). Training in this class consists of a comprehensive theory syllabus and carefully structured practical training in accordance with the Transport Agency's and KSAK's standards.

Under current Swedish regulations, gyroplanes that meet the requirements for classification as ultralight aircraft fall under the same category as other ultralight aircraft, UL-A and UL-B. It is important to note that NUF UL-A and UL-B are limited to 450 kg MTOM.

PPL, LAPL, or UL-certificate holders on classes other than UL-gyro may fly UL gyroplanes after completing a type-conversion course. The rating to fly NUF and NLF is added as an appendix to the PPL or LAPL. Flying costs drop dramatically and a new world opens up with the kind of performance gyroplanes offer. A minimum of 10 flight hours of training is required to obtain a UL-gyro class rating.

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.

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

National Ultralight fixed-wing aircraft — NUF UL-B class (fixed-wing)

An established aircraft class (limited to 450 kg MTOM), popular thanks to its low operating costs and relatively liberal maintenance requirements. Flown on the same UL certificate as gyroplanes and weight-shift aircraft (UL-A, trikes).

Advantages: somewhat lower fuel consumption and slightly faster than a gyroplane. Fewer vibrations. Longer service life. Nostalgic and retro 🙂

Disadvantages: more sensitive to wind than a gyroplane. Requires a longer landing distance and more hangar space.

National Ultralight weight-shift aircraft — NUF UL-A class (trikes)

Same weight limit as UL-B, max. 450 kg MTOM. The advantage of UL-A is that the aircraft are easy to maintain and store, and somewhat cheaper. The disadvantage of trikes is that they are more sensitive to wind.

National Light Aircraft (NLF)

Aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOM) of up to 600 kg, also limited to two seats. Your UL certificate also entitles you to fly NLF aircraft.

In practice, this means that after a class/type conversion you can fly many different types of aircraft on the same UL certificate.

Certificate validity

Your flight certificate is issued for life and remains valid as long as you hold a valid medical certificate, meet the minimum flight-time requirements or complete check flights/refresher training, and pay the certificate renewal fee.

Medical examinations for certificate renewal do not need to be carried out by an authorised aviation medical examiner — your regular doctor is sufficient. For your certificate to be renewed you must, among other things, fly at least 12 hours during the year. Alternatively, you can complete an approved check flight with an instructor.

In addition to the above, local regulations or insurance requirements may apply. Contact us for more information. The Swedish Transport Agency's regulations on the UL certificate can be found in TSFS 2021:26.

Training manuals

  • UHB 0 General information — UL certificate/class/type
  • UHB 10 UL Certificate Class Training — UL-A
  • UHB 11 UL Certificate Class Training — UL-B/NLF
  • UHB 12 UL Certificate Class Training — Gyroplane
  • UHB 14 Seaplane
  • UHB 15 Gyroplane on floats (in progress)

Theory syllabus reference documents (available at www.ksak.se for download)

  • UHB 1 Aviation law
  • UHB 2 Human performance
  • UHB 3 Meteorology
  • UHB 4 Communication
  • UHB 5 Navigation
  • UHB 6 Principles of flight
  • UHB 7 Operational procedures
  • UHB 8 Flight planning and performance
  • UHB 9 General aircraft knowledge

Student handbooks