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If your powered paraglider qualifies as a Part 103 ultralight, you must get prior authorization from the responsible air traffic control (ATC) facility before operating in Class A, B, C, or D airspace, or in an airport-designated Class E surface area. A radio call is how you can request that authorization; carrying a radio, transmitting on a frequency, or making a CTAF announcement does not grant it. Stay clear until authorization is received.
First, confirm whether Part 103 applies
“Powered paraglider” or “paramotor” describes a type of flying, but the name alone does not establish that a vehicle and flight qualify under Part 103. The rule covers qualifying single-occupant recreational or sport vehicles without an airworthiness certificate. For a powered ultralight, the limits include less than 254 pounds empty weight (with specified exclusions), fuel capacity no greater than 5 U.S. gallons, a maximum level-flight speed at full power no greater than 55 knots calibrated airspeed, and a power-off stall speed no greater than 24 knots calibrated airspeed. See the current 14 CFR Part 103. If your vehicle or operation does not qualify, other aviation rules may apply; this guide does not determine which ones govern it.
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When you need prior ATC authorization
Under 14 CFR §103.17, an ultralight may not operate in Class A, B, C, or D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of an airport-designated Class E surface area, without prior authorization from the ATC facility with jurisdiction. You need that authorization before entering the affected airspace.
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Prepare before you call
- Identify the airspace and facility. Check current aeronautical charts and airport information for the airspace boundaries, the facility with jurisdiction, its operating hours, and the current frequency. AC 103-6 is dated June 23, 1983; use current charting and published local information rather than relying on its old frequency examples.
- Plan to call before reaching the boundary. Make the request early enough to remain clear while you wait for a response. Know your position relative to the airport and your altitude, and be ready to state what operation you are requesting.
- Plan a route that does not depend on approval. Authorization is not guaranteed. Decide how you will remain clear or turn away if the request is declined or no response arrives.
- Use a radio only as a communication tool. Part 103 does not set a general requirement to carry a radio. If you do carry one, having it or transmitting does not satisfy the prior-authorization requirement.
What to say when requesting authorization
FAA AC 103-6 recommends that radio-equipped ultralight operators identify themselves as “Ultralight” followed by the call letters assigned by the FCC on the radio license. Its example is “Ultralight 12593U.” The circular’s example initial call is: “Sample Tower, Ultralight 12593U Six Miles Southwest at 1,000 feet.” This is an illustrative example from 1983, not mandatory wording or a callsign format to assume at every airport.
For an initial call, use the current frequency and speak slowly and distinctly. Address the facility, identify the operation as an ultralight, and give your altitude and position relative to the airport. Wait for a response; once two-way communication is established, briefly state the request. For example, you can adapt this structure to your actual details:
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- “[Facility], [ultralight identification], [position relative to airport] at [altitude].”
- After the facility responds: “Request authorization to [describe the intended operation and area].”
Use the facility’s current instructions and do not assume that this sample substitutes for local procedures. If there is no immediate reply, AC 103-6 advises waiting briefly and trying again, since the controller may be busy. Keep clear of airspace that requires authorization unless and until authorization is received.
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ATC contact and CTAF at an uncontrolled airport are different
An airport without an operating tower may still have useful radio communications. AC 103-6 describes radio-equipped ultralight operators using an on-field Flight Service Station, a local airport advisory operator, or self-announcements on the airport’s commonly used frequency. Current charting and airport information determine the appropriate frequency and local procedures.
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| Situation | Purpose of communication | What to do | Does it authorize controlled-airspace entry? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requesting access to specified controlled airport airspace | Ask the ATC facility with jurisdiction for prior authorization under §103.17. | Contact the responsible facility on its current published frequency, state your identification, position and altitude, then make the request. Remain outside until authorization is received. | Only an authorization from the responsible ATC facility permits the covered operation; a call alone does not. |
| Communicating at an uncontrolled airport | Share airport and traffic information through an advisory service or self-announcement. | Use the current published frequency and identify the airport or facility, your ultralight identification, location and intention. Continue listening and visually clearing. | No. CTAF or other advisory/self-announcement communications are not ATC authorization under §103.17. |
AC 103-6 advises continued listening, visual clearing, and cautious operation if no one responds at an uncontrolled airport. An advisory or CTAF transmission is not a substitute for authorization if your planned flight would enter airspace listed in §103.17.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What radio contact does not change
Communication with ATC does not transfer responsibility for avoiding other aircraft. Part 103 says: “Each person operating an ultralight vehicle shall maintain vigilance so as to see and avoid aircraft and shall yield the right-of-way to all aircraft.” That requirement is in 14 CFR §103.13(a). AC 103-6 also cautions that the ultralight operations it discusses do not receive the separation services provided to certificated aircraft.
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The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 3, Section 2 discusses controlled-airspace requirements and reiterates the Part 103 prior-authorization rule. Do not assume that ordinary requirements for certificated aircraft automatically describe the rules for a Part 103 ultralight; the applicable provision for the ultralight is its requirement to obtain prior authorization in the specified airspace.
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