Ultralight Inspections

FAR 103.3 — Ultralight Inspections

FAR 103.3 explains when ultralight pilots must allow FAA inspection and prove their vehicle qualifies as an ultralight under Part 103. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

FAR 103.3 lays out two simple but important duties for anyone operating an ultralight vehicle under Part 103. It exists so the FAA can verify that a vehicle actually meets the Part 103 definition — and isn't really an aircraft that should be certificated, registered, and flown by a licensed pilot.

Under this section, if you operate an ultralight you must:

Allow inspection on request. The Administrator (FAA) or a designee can ask to inspect your vehicle to determine whether Part 103 applies to it.
Furnish satisfactory evidence on request. As the pilot or operator, you must be able to show the vehicle qualifies only under Part 103 — typically by demonstrating it meets the weight, fuel capacity, speed, and stall-speed limits in §103.1.

Operationally, this means you should know your ultralight's specs cold and be ready to back them up (manufacturer data, weight documentation, fuel capacity, etc.) if an FAA inspector shows up at the field.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 103.3

§ 103.3 Inspection requirements. (a) Any person operating an ultralight vehicle under this part shall, upon request, allow the Administrator, or his designee, to inspect the vehicle to determine the applicability of this part. (b) The pilot or operator of an ultralight vehicle must, upon request of the Administrator, furnish satisfactory evidence that the vehicle is subject only to the provisions of this part.

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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

Q1If an FAA inspector approaches you at the airport and asks to look at your ultralight, what are you required to do?

Per FAR 103.3(a), I must allow the Administrator or his designee to inspect the vehicle so they can determine whether Part 103 applies to it.

Q2Who has the burden of proving that a vehicle qualifies as an ultralight?

FAR 103.3(b) places that burden on the pilot or operator, who must furnish satisfactory evidence upon request that the vehicle is subject only to the provisions of Part 103.

Q3What kind of evidence might the FAA expect you to show to prove your vehicle is a Part 103 ultralight?

Under FAR 103.3(b), satisfactory evidence typically includes documentation showing the vehicle meets the Part 103 limits — empty weight, fuel capacity, top speed, and power-off stall speed — such as manufacturer specs or weight records.

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Related Sections in Part 103

§ 103.1

Ultralight Vehicle Applicability

§ 103.11

Ultralight Daylight Operations