LAA CR was entrusted by the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic with the administration of ultralight gliders and ultralight powered gliders, which it took over in 2011 from the Aeroclub of the Czech Republic.
The difference between the ultralight glider category and the heavier gliders (sailplanes) of the "classic" category is that UL gliders are designed and built for lighter weights, have lower surface loads and have a prescribed lower VSO stall speed. This in turn results in lower kinetic energy on landing, shorter run out and thus safer during field landings. Especially for these reasons, the management of UL gliders could be entrusted to the Amateur Aviation Association of the Czech Republic and thus does not fall under the Civil Aviation Authority and the European agency EASA, which are responsible for the management of "classic" gliders.
However, UL gliders have their limitations, they are not allowed to fly aerobatics, have less penetration and do not reach the performance of modern "classic" gliders. Unlike those, however, UL gliders can be built by amateurs, maintained and repaired, all under the supervision of LAA CR inspectors.
Flying a UL glider is almost no different from flying a "classic" glider. The main difference lies in the fact that, due to its lower weight, a UL glider reacts more to turbulence and to rising and falling currents, and therefore the pilot must control it more carefully. Today, UL gliders are increasing in number on SFD and at regular airports and pilots can also rent them for a fee at many places. Training is carried out according to ULK 3. The training is shorter than training on a UL airplane and is therefore more affordable. Training is conducted by instructors at pilot training centres, mostly on an individual basis at present.
As far as the existing category of ultralight powered gliders is concerned, it is part of the UL aircraft category. Our UL-2 regulation, applicable to UL airplanes, also addresses their issue.