Ultralight NOTAM Restrictions

FAR 103.20 — Ultralight NOTAM Restrictions

FAR 103.20 prohibits ultralight operations in areas designated by NOTAM under §§ 91.137, 91.138, 91.141, 91.143, or 91.145 without ATC or waiver authorization.

In Plain English

FAR 103.20 keeps ultralight vehicles out of certain airspace that has been temporarily restricted by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). If a NOTAM has been issued under any of the following rules, you may not fly an ultralight in that area:

§ 91.137 — temporary flight restrictions for disaster/hazard areas
§ 91.138 — TFRs over national disaster areas in Hawaii
§ 91.141 — restrictions around Presidential and other VIP movements
§ 91.143 — flight limitations in the proximity of space flight operations
§ 91.145 — restrictions for aerial demonstrations and major sporting events

There are only two ways to legally enter one of these NOTAM'd areas in an ultralight:

Authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC), or
A Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued for the specific demonstration or event.

Why it matters: TFRs frequently pop up around airshows, fires, sporting events, and VIP travel. Even though Part 103 ultralights don't require a pilot certificate, busting a TFR can bring serious enforcement action. Always check NOTAMs before every flight.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 103.20

§ 103.20 Flight restrictions in the proximity of certain areas designated by notice to airmen. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle in areas designated in a Notice to Airmen under § 91.137, § 91.138, § 91.141, § 91.143 or § 91.145 of this chapter, unless authorized by: (a) Air Traffic Control (ATC); or (b) A Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued for the demonstration or event. [Docket FAA-2000-8274, 66 FR 47378, Sept. 11, 2001]

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You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Can you fly your ultralight inside a Presidential TFR?

Not without authorization. Per FAR 103.20, ultralight operations in areas designated by NOTAM under § 91.141 (and similar rules) require either ATC authorization or a Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization.

Q2Which sections of Part 91 trigger a flight restriction for ultralights under FAR 103.20?

FAR 103.20 references NOTAMs issued under §§ 91.137, 91.138, 91.141, 91.143, and 91.145, which cover hazard TFRs, Hawaii disaster areas, VIP movements, space flight operations, and aerial demonstrations or major sporting events.

Q3How can an ultralight pilot legally operate within a TFR for an airshow?

Under FAR 103.20, the pilot must be authorized either by ATC or by a Flight Standards Certificate of Waiver or Authorization issued specifically for that demonstration or event.

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Related Sections in Part 103

§ 103.1

Ultralight Vehicle Applicability

§ 103.11

Ultralight Daylight Operations