Is it common for pilots flying in ultralight aircraft to have emergency parachutes?

Question

I saw an ultralight FAQ saying that you should have an emergency parachute while flying, just curios if this is common.

Answer 1

In the early years of ultra light aircraft weight was and still is a major factor in structural failure.  As the gross weight of the ultra light climbs so does the stress loads on the main spar, which the aircraft is built around.  This is why the FAA has set a weight limit on ultra light aircraft under Title 49 Part 103.  Many of the newer ultra lights now come with a Ballistic Recovery System (BRS) installed or can be ordered as an option and installed.

Because of the high failure rate and accident rate of ultra light aircraft (Fat ultra light not meeting Part 103) the FAA created a new category called Experimental E-LSA and S-LSA Special Light Sport Aircraft.  These aircraft are inspected to meet a certain standard where ultra light aircraft do not meet any standards for safety.  This is not to say the manufactures haven’t been a very good job of making their aircraft safe.  It’s the owners who modify them that make them over weight and unsafe.

The Ballistic Recovery System has saved many a lives due to structural failures and is more common now on new ultra lights aircraft, but also Light Sport Aircraft and a few Type Certificated (T/C) aircraft such as the Cirrus-22 models and soon on Cessna aircraft.

Answer 2

They normally don't have parachutes because the ultralights don't fly high enough to time to deploy and reduce falling speed.

Answer 3

My father in law has flown his ultralight for years and does not have one.  He has flown over mountains and across country and never used one.

Answer 4

No it is not common because Ultralights do not normally fly high enough for you to leave the aircraft and deploy the parachute in time to do any good. It not only has to open, but have time to slow your descent.

Answer 5

It is fairly common. Called a Ballistic Recovery System, It is designed to prevent accidents that result from a structural failure or loss of control. Generally speaking, an ultralight is light enough to use a chute.

Some production new aircraft (not ultralight) have built in parachutes.

Answer 6

well of course there you should have a emergency parachute.  anything that involves a person in the air thousands of feet in the air you should have something for back just incase something goes wrong.