There Were Once 8,000 Dedicated U/L Instructors... But Not Any More

Another aviation-oriented Change.org petition has surfaced... at least until it offends someone and the Change.Org folks take it down... this time, the petition addresses the serious deficit in our ultralight instruction ranks and seeks the FAA's action in fixing this serious matter.

Started by  Jim Pfarr, the chairman of the EAA Ultralight and Light Sport Advisory Council, who has been, "tirelessly advocating for the ultralight aviation community's needs and concerns. The most pressing issue we face as a community is a severe shortage of dedicated ultralight aircraft instructors. Prior to the inception of the Light Sport rules, there were approximately 8,000 dedicated instructors providing ultralight specific training across the United States. Immediately after these rules came into effect this number dropped to zero and has not recovered in any meaningful way to support transitioning pilots and new pilots wishing to take up the sport.  This is a critical safety shortfall, evidenced by the numbers of GA pilots who crash on landing due to inappropriate responses to low mass/high drag aircraft landing characteristics, and by the significant number of new pilots seeking readily available and convenient training without success."

Pfarr also correctly notes that, "the few vendors remaining are facing serious economic challenges due to rising costs and diminished demand.  There are those who would leap at the opportunity to innovate and provide safe, unique, and rewarding ultralights for the community, but they are hesitant to take the leap given the struggles involved with obtaining and sustaining customers in this environment.  Increasing access to the sport would create more favorable economic conditions for the vendors, contributing to a more robust selection of innovative, safe and affordable craft."

He opines that, "In addition to the above, and despite optimistic projections that Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) would fill this gap left by ultralight instructors in the post-light sport ruling period, the anticipated influx of replacement ultralight instructors has not materialized. Our sport is gradually disappearing as a result, and is currently losing former pilots due to age and changes in interests while at the same time lacking the ability to recruit new pilots who don't feel confident trying to learn to fly under questionable methods.  Additionally, the cost of flight training (whether for a Sport Pilot or Private Pilot certificate) has increased through the years, to the point that those seeking to enjoy affordable flying in an ultralight aircraft find it hard to justify the expense."

With less than 100 signatures at this point, ANN urges all sport aviation aficionados to lend a signature to this efforts since ultralight instruction is a unique proposition, 'due to their low mass/high drag characteristics, and it is crucial that pilots receive specialized instruction. As of December 2023 only 11 organizations are teaching these ultralight specific skills - a number that does not meet the year over year sustained demand.'  

Again.... ANN asks all interested parties to support this reasonable and well-considered petition... so long as Change.Org doesn't chicken out again and remove the action (like they did the Prince Harry/Living Legends petition a few weeks ago).

FMI: www.change.org/p/urge-the-faa-to-address-the-deficit-of-ultralight-aircraft-instructors?