Ultralight pilot license: everything you need to know

Indeed, becoming a pilot for the Patrouille de France or finding yourself in control of a transatlantic airliner seems far too ambitious. But you can easily imagine one day getting something simpler, more modest, off the ground; going wherever you wish to admire the landscapes of your region from above... It’s clear, you have the makings of a pilot of a motorized ultralight, those kinds of aircraft more commonly known as ULM. To achieve your goal, however, you will still need to obtain a diploma. How do you go about it? We'll tell you everything...

Why choose ULM?

We have partly answered this question: compared to aviation – even small recreational aviation – costs remain relatively affordable with ultralight aircraft: whether for training, flight hours, or even purchasing an aircraft. This option therefore appears as an ideal entry point for those who dream of accessing the freedom to move in the air but find aviation paths inaccessible.
Accessibility is not only a matter of cost but also of terrain. Because ULMs do not require the same infrastructure as airplanes: they give you access to smaller airfields and shorter runways, offering more route options to discover landscapes and new horizons. It also offers great operational flexibility, allowing you to plan your flights according to your availability, with fewer constraints than an airplane.
In summary, ULMs offer true freedom… and therefore suit all enthusiasts. Even training is less demanding than for becoming an airplane pilot.

What is the ULM Pilot’s Certificate?

The ULM pilot certificate is obtained in two stages. The first stage is a common theoretical certificate for ULM pilots, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. It is a multiple-choice exam during which you must answer 60 questions in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once this certificate is obtained (and provided you are at least 15 years old), you can access the practical exam, which consists of a ground test of ULM theoretical knowledge and a flight test.
These tests are specific to the ULM class chosen. The instructor who administers these tests issues the various attestations. Based on these, the Civil Aviation Safety Directorate issues your pilot’s certificate: the key to flying completely autonomously.
To obtain it, it is important to choose your ULM flight school carefully and prepare thoroughly and diligently for the different tests. But what do they consist of?

Requirements to Obtain the ULM Pilot’s Certificate

Unsurprisingly, your training to pass these tests will be divided into theoretical and practical learning.
The first covers seven themes: regulations, general knowledge of the aircraft, flight principles, meteorology and aerology, altimetry, safety, and human performance.
This training requires sustained effort and relies on manuals such as the ULM Learning Pack from Cépaduès editions and other general or thematic books available in our online bookstore.
The practical part with an instructor will teach you to fly ULMs from the class you have chosen, as these aircraft are divided into six classes: paramotor, pendular, multiaxial, autogyro, ultralight hot air balloon, ultralight helicopter.
Training will include learning the basics of piloting: starting the aircraft, taxiing, stabilized flight, turns, climbing, descending... Then gradually, you will become familiar with takeoff and landing, refine your technique, tackle more complex flying conditions, and learn to manage failures and emergency situations.
You will be ready to take the exam after a certain number of solo flight hours under the supervision of your instructor. The required training time varies greatly depending on each candidate’s abilities, dedication, etc. However, the general minimum is 35 hours.

The Cost of Obtaining a ULM Pilot’s Certificate

Obviously, one must expect that such a course will come with a cost. It is difficult to estimate an average cost, as it depends not only on the candidate’s ability but also on the class of ULM chosen, the club, and the instructor. Unlike airplane training, the instructor is generally a professional to be paid.
Depending on these parameters, clubs announce average prices ranging from 800 to 7000 euros, covering club membership, theoretical instruction, flight hours, insurance, and of course, license fees, which are not the highest expense, as it costs around 50 euros for those under 25 and 80 euros for those over that age.
If these costs seem out of reach, there are possibilities to finance at least part of them. Young people under 25, in particular, can request a subsidy from the French ULM Federation of 400 euros if the training is done at a structure that has obtained the federal label, with an additional 150 euros for holders of the BIA.

And once you have the ULM Pilot’s Certificate?

Now that you are qualified to fly the aircraft of your dreams, you will need to equip yourself.
Perhaps you are considering acquiring your own aircraft, as prices are much more affordable than for a small airplane, at least for a used ULM. But don’t dive into this investment blindly. To assess the condition of a second-hand aircraft, avoid mistakes that could lead to disputes, and engage in a transaction with as much confidence as possible, you can rely on the guide "Buying or Selling a Used ULM with Confidence" by Jean-Marc Lezcano.
Next, your equipment will necessarily include the logbook of the aircraft and the flight log for your future outings. And to complete your shopping with a good understanding of what you need, you’ll find valuable advice on our blog on how to choose your first aviation headset or for other flight equipment.
Now, you can enjoy this activity that opens the skies to you and offers exciting sensations of freedom. And perhaps you’ll want to go even further in exploring the aerial universe. For example, by obtaining new licenses or certifications, whether for other types of ULMs or even taking the step to becoming an airplane pilot.
And why not participate in light aviation events and gatherings? It quickly becomes exhilarating!