PPL Flying BULA or AULA

[dave_091]

Hey guys,

I have a quick question regarding requirements. I just don't have time right now to look it up myself over the busy holidays.

I was wondering if a licensed PPL flying BULA's or AULA's will keep their PPL recency requirements upto date by flying the BULA's or AULA's?
Or does he have to log hours in the appropriate certified aircraft in order to stay legally current?

Thanks everyone!

[Taiser]

I had the same problem when I thought I was out of currency a few years ago. I hadn't flown a "certified" airplane in over five years but had several hours over those years in a Murphy Renegade and other AULA's. When I went to the local flying club to start flying "real" airplanes again the instructor wasn't sure if I was valid so he called TC and they said I was OK to go, seems they don't really care what you are flying as long as you fly something.

[CpnCrunch]

Normally as long as it has a registration, you can log it in your logbook. The only issue is when you get your CPL you can only count a certain number of hours from ultralights.

[Panama Jack]

Good, question. I would ask your local TC office and get their interpretation. Ultralight stuff FREQUENTLY falls into grey areas with different interpretations depending on who, specifically, you ask.

Here is an interesting clue from CAR 101.01:

"category" - means

(a) when used in reference to flight crew licensing, the classification of aircraft as an aeroplane, a balloon, a glider, a gyroplane, a helicopter or an ultra-light aeroplane,

It suggests that we are talking about two different category of aircraft that you are flying.

Now, the"currency" that you are referring to as far as Transport is concerned (as opposed to your insurance company or the aircraft provider), then it is only pertinent for carrying passengers.



CAR 401.05

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Subpart, no holder of a flight crew permit or licence, other than the holder of a flight engineer licence, shall exercise the privileges of the permit or licence in an aircraft unless the holder

(b) where a passenger other than a flight test examiner designated by the Minister is carried on board the aircraft, has completed, within the six months preceding the flight,

(i) in the case of an aircraft other than a glider or a balloon, in the same category and class of aircraft as the aircraft, or in a Level B, C or D simulator of the same category and class as the aircraft, at least

(A) five night or day take-offs and five night or day landings, if the flight is conducted wholly by day, or

(B) five night take-offs and five night landings, if the flight is conducted wholly or partly by night,

Well, that is what the regs have to say. TC has interesting interpretations of the regs sometimes when it comes to this area of aviation.

Realistically though, and I don't mean to sound condescending (I fly UL's too) there is sometimes a fair amount of difference in the handling characteristics between a Challenger or a Quicksilver and a Cessna 172.