In simple terms.
Ultralight
There is no such thing as Ultralight in NZ, we call them Microlights.
Microlight
There are two classes, Class 1 = 1 seat, Class 2 = 2 seat but many types, flexwing, fixed wing, helicopters, gyros, chutes, motor gliders, everything from Pterodactyl to a Sportcruiser.
Broadly speaking, day, VFR, not over congested areas, 544kg max all up, 45kt or slower stall in landing config (flaps down, gear out), no other real restrictions (retracts, constant speed prop etc is all good). You can do basically everything yourself, needs an annual inspection by a microlight inspection authority (not necessarily a LAME).
Can be cheap (single seater 1980's vintage mirage for $3000). Can be not so cheap (luxury new Sport Cruiser for $XXX,XXX).
For crediting hours flown into the GA world I'll let Rex Kenny answer that with this quote from an email I had from him (hope he doesn't mind me quoting him)...
Originally Posted by Rex Kenny, CAA
Q: Could you clarify what the actual situation is with crediting hours
flown in Class 1/2 Microlights towards time required to complete a PPL.
A: Currently AC61 provides for a cross credit of half the hours flown
in the previous 12 months up to a maximum of 10 hours towards a ppl
That's of course for initial license issue hours required.
LSA
LSA does not yet exist. But it's very close, and here again I'll let Rex answer...
Originally Posted by Rex Kenny, CAA
Q: Could you provide a broad definition as to what will constitute an
LSA, what will be required from a maintenance and other legislative
basis which is different to a Microlight, and what (if any) benefit a
person has in making their aircraft LSA over Microlight.
A: LSA is a factory built two place aircraft with a max gross weight
of 1320 lbs and a stall speed of 45 knots or less.
They must be maintained by an LAME or a maintenance approval holder and
to the manufacturers maintenance manual.
They can be used for PPL flight training and fly over congested areas.
They will also be available for use under Part 115 adventure aviation
once that is introduced late next year. At present a PPL [ or better ] is required to fly them but I have a proposed change to Part 61 that will allow
microlight pilots to also fly LSA's.
So in short, an LSA can carry a bit more load and the hours are fully creditable.
I'd suggest that you should contact Rex at the CAA, he is the man to give you all the regulatory detail on Microlight and LSA alike.
