February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

The Ultralight

This piece originally ran in the December 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. By George Karamitis, EAA 144192 Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask, “George, how ... Read more

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025

A Model Citizen

History, Member Stories, Ultralights

By Emme Hornung, EAA 1463093 This piece originally ran in the November 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. When you think of Oshkosh, what specific airplanes come to mind? ... Read more

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

Rarified Air

Member Stories, Ultralights

By Nathan Finneman, EAA 1459460 This piece originally ran in the October 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Setting records has always been an interest of mine, being good ... Read more

October 31, 2024October 31, 2024

An Evil Headwind

Member Stories, Ultralights

By Larry Fleming This piece originally ran in the September 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. The sun had risen on an early summer morning, as I prepared Nancy ... Read more

September 5, 2024September 5, 2024

Don’t Let the Old Man In

Member Stories, Ultralights

By George Karamitis, EAA 144192 This piece originally ran in the July 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. The song “Don’t Let the Old Man In” by Toby Keith ... Read more

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024

Oil in Strange Places

Member Stories, Ultralights

By Kenneth Florence, EAA 1509968 This piece originally ran in the June 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. In March 2024, I purchased a fine example of a Leonard ... Read more

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

The Thinker

Member Stories, Ultralights

By George Karamitis, EAA 144192 This piece originally ran in the May 2024 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine. Every once in a while, someone will ask me, “George, when are ... Read more

June 4, 2024

Engine Failures During Cruise, Part 1

Flying Tips, Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray talks about concepts to review and practice prior to a potential in-flight engine failure.

May 8, 2024May 8, 2024

One Among a Hundred Things to Dream Of

Ultralights

EAA member Jim Barnosky might be an airline captain by day, but his true passion is general aviation, particularly hot air ballooning.

April 18, 2024April 18, 2024

How I Became a Motor-Head

Member Stories, Stories Of Oshkosh, Ultralights

Larry Fleming, an experienced hang glider pilot, steps into the world of powered flight with his Aeros Nano Trike. Follow along his adventure of learning to fly the ultralight trike ... Read more

April 10, 2024April 12, 2024

Legal Eagle XL ORV (Off Road Vehicle)

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Robbie Culver writes about Les Homan, EAA 1063924, and his Legal Eagle XL ultralight.

March 28, 2024

The Leading Edge: Finding LSA ‘Unobtanium’

Homebuilding, Member Stories, Ultralights

That sleek demo bird at Oshkosh led to the discovery of a whole new up-and-coming breed of high-performance aircraft emerging in Europe spurred on by maturing technologies. I believe this ... Read more

March 14, 2024March 14, 2024

Round ’n Round It Goes

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray talks about planning for engine failures while in the pattern.

February 14, 2024February 15, 2024

A Challenging Summer

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis discusses some of the health issues that sidelined him for AirVenture 2023 as well as flying his beloved Quicksilver. ... Read more

January 18, 2024January 24, 2024

Take Off Like a Boss

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray relays some tips for takeoff and depar-ture to mitigate potential risks.

December 6, 2023December 8, 2023

Phantom Thing

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor William Berson discusses the restoration and flight testing of his Phantom LSA.

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023

What About Us Older Pilots?

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis discusses ultralights as a lower-cost flying option for older pilots.

October 10, 2023October 12, 2023

Engine Failures Happen

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses ways to avoid engine failures, and how to prepare yourself if one does occur.

September 14, 2023

A Bird’s-Eye View

Ultralights

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA staff member Timm Bogenhagen discusses his involvement with ultralights and light aircraft.

August 17, 2023August 22, 2023

The Fork in the Road

Ultralights

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses some points for ultralight pilots to consider when contemplating earning your sport pilot certificate.

July 28, 2023

From South Carolina to Oshkosh by Ultralight

AirVenture, Ultralights, Youth & Young Eagles

After 42 short hops in six days, 14-year-old Alina Scott made her first trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh all the way from South Carolina in her Aerolite 103 ultralight!

July 27, 2023August 23, 2023

Easy Breezy

AirVenture, Ultralights

After earning his pilot certificate, John Limbach, EAA 602992, took a 13-year “sabbatical” from flying. As happens to so many folks, life got in the way and fly-ing fell by ... Read more

June 28, 2023June 28, 2023

The Common Question

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis discusses his answer to the question he often receives about ultralight flying.

May 25, 2023May 25, 2023

Fundamentally Fun

Member Stories, Ultralights

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, EAA vice president Rick Larsen looks back at his Quicksilver days.

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023

Finding the Perfect Airplane

Ultralights

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses the strategy for finding the ideal ultralight or sport airplane to own.

March 29, 2023March 31, 2023

Back in the Saddle at 81

Ultralights

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis reflects on his experience getting back in the air after major surgery.

March 2, 2023March 7, 2023

Reality Check

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses the efforts needed to properly own and operate an ultralight

February 2, 2023February 6, 2023

The Michigan Ultralight Association

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses the revitalization of a local ultralight club.

January 5, 2023January 6, 2023

Promoting Ultralights

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses ultralight flight instruction and some of the difficulties associated with finding an instructor.

November 22, 2022November 29, 2022

Airplanes to Ultralights

Ultralights, Why We Fly

In a recent column for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis reflects on his many years in aviation.

October 18, 2022October 20, 2022

A Bad Example

Ultralights

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray discusses the value of ultralight training for newcomers.

September 20, 2022September 23, 2022

40 Years and Counting

Ultralights

This year marks the 40th anniversary of FAR Part 103, the FAA regulation that formally established ultralight vehicles in the United States. Only two pages long, Part 103 enabled a ... Read more

August 23, 2022

The Times They Are-a-Changin’

Ultralights

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis discusses the growing trend of “heavy metal” pilots giving ultralights a try.

July 19, 2022August 5, 2022

Slow Down

Ultralights

In a recent piece for EAA Sport Aviation, contributor George Karamitis discusses the joys of ultralight flying and what you’re missing if you don’t give it a try.

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

What’s in a Name?

Homebuilding, Ultralights

In a recent issue of EAA Sport Aviation, contributor Mark Murray talks about the importance of using proper and consistent terminology.

May 16, 2022May 16, 2022

Love at First Flight

Ultralights

Sixteen years and counting for EAA Sport Aviation contributor George Karamitis and his Quicksilver MX ultralight.

April 27, 2022April 28, 2022

Volunteer Spotlight — Lee and Paula Crevier

Member Stories, Ultralights

Lee, EAA 355459, and Paula Crevier, EAA 477989, began volunteering with EAA in 1991 and have helped out in a variety of areas, including Pioneer Airport, the Ultralights area, convention ... Read more

April 19, 2022April 25, 2022

Ultralight Flight Instruction

Ultralights

Thinking about learning to fly ultralights? EAA Sport Aviation contributor Mark Murray discusses some of the tips and tricks in his latest piece.

March 24, 2022March 24, 2022

Seeing Clearly in the Fog

Ultralights

Reflecting on a passion for ultralights, and one Quicksilver MX in particular, while waiting out the morning fog.

February 22, 2022

Project First Flight

Ultralights

Skonkwerks’ Project First Flight is a natural and intuitive step to give back to the ultralight community, nurture the culture, and provide opportunities for prospective pilots, including interested youths and ... Read more

October 7, 2021

EAA’s The Green Dot — Hang Glide Wisconsin’s Daniel Lange

Podcast, Ultralights

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, we changed things up a bit as longtime host Hal Bryan welcomed former guest and EAA staff member Rick Larsen to co-host a ... Read more

September 7, 2021

Gyroplane Adventures: Ottawa to Steinbach and Back — July 17-26, 2021

Ultralights

With the increasing number of airstrips in Canada being closed or under threat, the distance between active aerodromes is increasing and with it the risk to safe passage continues to ... Read more

August 26, 2021

A Newbie’s Guide to Sport Aviation

Flying Tips, Homebuilding, Learning to Fly, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds

Are you looking to get started in aviation? EAA Sport Aviation magazine writer Budd Davisson gives some advice on how to do just that.

August 18, 2021

Airythmia’s First AirVenture

AirVenture, Member Stories, Ultralights

Paramotor team Airythmia performed for the very first time together during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021’s Twilight Flight Fest.

July 30, 2021

Texas Teen Scratchbuilds Sky Pup

AirVenture, Member Stories, Ultralights, Youth & Young Eagles

Gage Wirtzberger, EAA 1324792, 18, of Greenville, Texas, built a Sky Pup from scratch and plans to fly it for the first time in a month.

July 1, 2021July 1, 2021

EAA’s The Green Dot — On Paramotors with Jon Eisele

Podcast, Ultralights

This time on EAA’s The Green Dot, we welcomed Jon Eisele, EAA’s manager of air tours and flight programs, to the show to talk about his experience as a paramotor ... Read more

June 16, 2021

Airythmia: A Heart-Stopping Performance

AirVenture, Ultralights

Flying will ruin your life in the best possible way.

January 7, 2021

Energized

Ultralights

As both a passionate pilot and environmentalist, Richard Steeves, EAA 65309, was looking for a greener way to fly.

January 30, 2020January 30, 2020

Finding Something Funny About Airframe Ice

Ultralights

It’s unusual to have experienced airframe icing — or however this incident would be classified — and then to have laughed about it afterward. But that’s how it went.

January 22, 2020January 22, 2020

On the Lighter Side

AirVenture, Ultralights

The Fun Fly Zone at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is home to ultralights and light-sport aircraft, not to mention rotorcraft, RC aircraft, and exciting demos of short takeoff and landing (STOL) ... Read more

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

The Affordable Simplicity of the Aerolite 103

Ultralights

The Aerolite 103, as its name implies, is a legal ultralight that can be purchased fully assembled or as a kit. Take a closer look at this popular new flying ... Read more

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

99 Miles on Batteries

Member Stories, Ultralights

At some point, apparently, I committed to flying my E-Gull electric ultralight from home base (KWVI) to my friend Bob’s home at Pine Mountain Lake (E45), nearly 100 miles away. ... Read more

October 8, 2019October 8, 2019

EAA’s The Green Dot — Ultralight & LSA Council Chairman Mark Solper

Podcast, Ultralights

The Green Dot crew sat down with EAA Ultralight & Light-Sport Aircraft Council Chairman Mark Solper to discuss his beginnings in aviation, why he loves the lighter side of aviation, ... Read more

August 21, 2019August 28, 2019

The Value of Good Training — Don’t Be Too Proud to Seek Instruction

Flying Tips, Ultralights

The experience and supervision of a good powered paragliding instructor will not only mitigate risk and safely guide students through the training process but also teach proper technique, correct faulty ... Read more

August 8, 2019August 8, 2019

Fun Fly Zone at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019

AirVenture, Ultralights

Check out this unique vantage point of the Fun Fly Zone area at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019!

August 1, 2019August 1, 2019

Bo Flies His Paramotor From Florida to Oshkosh!

AirVenture, Ultralights

Bo Feldman, an 18-year-old pilot, has been flying paramotors for a few years and recently completed a safety training course for potential in-flight issues, so decided he wanted to make ... Read more

July 26, 2019July 26, 2019

The Lighter Side —Taking in the Fun Fly Zone

AirVenture, Ultralights

Juxtaposed with the stream of big iron arriving and departing Boeing Plaza throughout the week is the Fun Fly Zone, a special runway dedicated to light-sport and ultralight aircraft that ... Read more

July 24, 2019July 24, 2019

Aerolite 103 Kit Being Built at Fun Fly Zone

AirVenture, Ultralights

The thousands of homebuilders at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019 know that building your own plane is achievable, but a significant percentage of attendees might not. To shine some light on ... Read more

May 23, 2019May 23, 2019

The Eaglet Inspires the Next Generation of Aviators

Ultralights, Youth & Young Eagles

Ronald Stokes, EAA 250174, is doing his part in keeping aviation alive by teaching young kids about aviation with a little help from his friend, the Eaglet.

April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

Great Big Gyroplane Grins — The Modern Resurgence of a Misunderstood Machine

Ultralights

At first glance, gyroplanes look like a funky cross between a helicopter and an airplane. While sharing aspects of both, they combine a unique blend of flight characteristics into one ... Read more

April 11, 2019April 11, 2019

Aviation Splendor at SUN ‘n FUN 2019

Aerobatics, Air Show, Homebuilding, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds, Why We Fly

The 45th annual SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In & Expo certainly lived up to its name this year with blue skies and plenty of Florida sunshine to go around.

March 14, 2019March 14, 2019

Treasure Map — A Graphic Representation of a Place in the Heart

Member Stories, Ultralights

“A map is not the territory it represents,” Alfred Korzybski wrote in a scholarly paper in 1931.

February 28, 2019March 7, 2019

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring – Wisconsin Earthstar eGull

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Ultralights

My spouse observed that my deepening environmental concerns were expressed in my driving behavior but not in my choice of aircraft, which burned 10 gph. I explored electric-powered self-launching sailplanes, ... Read more

February 21, 2019March 7, 2019

Learn to Fly in Your Own Airplane

Learning to Fly, Ultralights

The cost of getting into flying has always been important to those dreaming of becoming a pilot. One strategy for would-be sport pilots is to take flight training in their ... Read more

January 17, 2019January 17, 2019

Quad City Aircraft’s 35th Anniversary: Celebrating the Challenger in all its iterations

Anniversaries, Ultralights

The Quad City Ultralight Aircraft Corp. was founded 35 years ago, a year after the first Challenger single-place ultralight was designed. The QCUAC celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Challenger ... Read more

January 2, 2019January 7, 2019

In the Zone

AirVenture, Ultralights, Why We Fly

The Fun Fly Zone at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is home to all kinds of flying machines, from autogyros and helicopters to powered parachutes, light homebuilts, EAA’s Twilight Flight Fest, and ... Read more

December 13, 2018December 13, 2018

Quad City Aircraft’s 35th Anniversary

Ultralights

Check out our photo gallery from the 35th anniversary celebration of the Quad City Challenger.

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018

EAA Celebrates 2018 Halls of Fame Inductees

Aerobatics, Homebuilding, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds

EAA recently honored six inductees into the Sport Aviation Halls of Fame. Take a look at photos from the ceremony, as well as videos that celebrate the achievements of the ... Read more

November 14, 2018

Jeff Goin Speaks at EAA About Powered Paragliding

Ultralights, Why We Fly

Powered paragliding expert Jeff Goin, EAA 630956, spoke at the EAA Aviation Museum in September as part of the Aviation Adventure Speaker Series.

November 8, 2018

Eugene Smith to be Posthumously Inducted Into EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame

Honoring The Past, Ultralights

The late Eugene Smith, designer of the Back Yard Flyer and more than 20 other ultralight aircraft designs, will be posthumously inducted into the EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame.

October 25, 2018October 26, 2018

FAA Releases NPRM Supporting EAA Training Initiative

Ultralights

The FAA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that amends a CFR to allow compensated flight training in E-LSA aircraft under certain circumstances.

September 27, 2018

Take a Tour of Peter Sripol’s Workshop

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Ultralights

Take a tour of YouTuber and foam airplane builder Peter Sripol’s workshop in Ohio.

September 13, 2018

Powered Paragliding ‘Godfather’ Jeff Goin to Present at EAA Museum

Ultralights, Why We Fly

Powered paragliding expert Jeff Goin will speak to the EAA Aviation Museum Aviation Adventure Speaker Series audience about the appeal of the sport and how to get involved.

August 16, 2018August 16, 2018

Interested in Paragliding?

Ultralights

A beginner’s guide to powered paragliding.

June 11, 2018

Operation Migration’s Joe Duff to Speak at EAA Museum

EAA Museum, Ultralights

Joe will speak about leading bird migrations with ultralight aircraft through the organization Operation Migration.

April 20, 2018

Powered Paragliding Filmed by Google Satellite

Member Stories, Ultralights, Why We Fly

An ordinary day of powered paragliding was etched into history.

January 11, 2018January 10, 2018

Replicating the Original Breezy

Member Stories, Ultralights

Rob Unger, EAA 585561, bought this airplane a few years ago to honor his late father Carl, EAA 25215, co-creator of the Breezy.

January 4, 2018

Students of the Wing

Milestones, Ultralights, Why We Fly

Follow EAA Staff Writer Megan Esau’s journey to soloing a powered paraglider.

November 21, 2017November 21, 2017

AirVenture 2017 Inspires Homebuilt Foam Board Ultralight

Homebuilding, Ultralights, Why We Fly

YouTuber Peter Sripol got his start in aviation like so many did, with a love of model and paper airplanes. After attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, Peter decided it was ... Read more

August 17, 2017

Twilight Flight Fest Video Captures Exciting Moments

AirVenture, Ultralights

Even when the night air show wasn’t going on during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, there was another evening show to be found on the grounds. The Twilight Flight Fest, located ... Read more

July 29, 2017July 30, 2017

Tank Rider Hot Air Balloon Tethered in Oshkosh

AirVenture, Homebuilding, Ultralights

Mike Kuehlmuss of Massachusetts came to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 much like many others — with a love of aviation and an RV. But Mike also brought something not commonly ... Read more

June 22, 2017June 22, 2017

Ultralight Day Takes Off Without a Hitch

Ultralights, Why We Fly

Flying fun on the lighter side of aviation!

March 15, 2017March 15, 2017

What Our Members Are Building/Restoring – Summer Breeze

Homebuilding, Member Stories, Ultralights

By Whitney Coyle, EAA 736036, New Smyrna Beach, Florida Florida Breezy My Breezy journey began back in 2008 with my first trip to AirVenture as a fresh A&P certificate at ... Read more

March 8, 2017April 14, 2017

Aluminum Can Built Mini-Max

Chapters, Homebuilding, Ultralights

Ron Detert used a little ingenuity and a whole lot of EAA Spirit to complete his project. In his 82 years of life, Ron Detert has not gone a day ... Read more

February 24, 2017March 2, 2017

Aircraft Anniversaries Celebrated at AirVenture 2016

AirVenture, Anniversaries, Homebuilding, Ultralights, Vintage, Warbirds, Why We Fly

EAA members are justifiably proud of their attendance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, celebrating anniversaries spanning decades of flying in — or driving to the event — years of camping in ... Read more

February 4, 2017March 2, 2017

See AirVenture From Above

AirVenture, Ultralights

What’s the best way to see the most at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh? By flying, of course! Get a unique view of the AirVenture grounds by flying the ultralight pattern with paramotor ... Read more

November 17, 2016February 3, 2017

37 Years of Aviation Fun for Ultralight Chapter 1

Air Show, Chapters, Ultralights

November 10, 2016 – EAA’s Ultralight Chapter 1 (Microlite Flyers), has been engaging its community in southeastern Wisconsin in recreational aviation for almost 40 years. This year’s Chilly Chili Fly-In ... Read more