FAR 103.15 — Ultralight Congested Areas
FAR 103.15 prohibits flying ultralight vehicles over congested areas of any city, town, or settlement, or over open air assemblies of persons.
FAR 103.15 sets a hard limit on where you can fly an ultralight vehicle. You may not operate an ultralight over:
- Any congested area of a city, town, or settlement
- Any open air assembly of persons (concerts, sporting events, fairs, etc.)
Unlike Part 91 aircraft, ultralights have no required certification standards, no airworthiness inspections, and the pilot does not need an FAA certificate. Because of this lack of oversight, the FAA keeps ultralights away from people and property on the ground where a failure or forced landing could cause serious harm.
Operationally, this means you must plan your route and practice areas to stay clear of populated zones and any gathering of people outdoors. If your intended flight path crosses a town or an event, you need to reroute. The rule is absolute — there is no altitude exception and no waiver mentioned in Part 103. Pick rural fields, open countryside, or designated ultralight areas, and verify the ground environment before each flight.