Ultralight aircraft safety and regulation.

Ultralight aircraft evolved from adding power to hang gliders. Ultralight aviation is now the fastest growing sport in America. The safety of these aircraft is of concern but information regarding accidents and fatalities has been meager. To date, the only major source of statistics has been the Experimental Aircraft Association, which tabulated 101 accidents with 20 fatalities over a 3.5-year period. Until October 1982, there were no FAA regulations governing these aircraft. This report reviews the evolution of ultralight aircraft regulation and the available accident information.