15 Ultralights That Will Blow Your Mind — A Sky-High Showcase

15 Ultralight and Lightweight Aircraft That Will Blow Your Mind

Ultralight aviation comes in many forms — from minimalist FAR 103 flyers to experimental designs and futuristic electric concepts. The video below highlights 15 aircraft, each representing a different interpretation of lightweight flight. While not every aircraft shown qualifies as a true ultralight under U.S. regulations, all of them emphasize reduced weight, innovative design, and the pursuit of personal flight.

What follows is a video-locked breakdown, featuring only the aircraft shown, presented in the exact order they appear.

01:00 – Colomban Cri Cri (MC-15)

Aircraft Type: Experimental ultralight / light aircraft

The Colomban Cri Cri is legendary for its size and ingenuity. Designed by French engineer Michel Colomban, it is one of the smallest twin-engine aircraft ever flown.

Design highlights:

All-aluminum construction
Extremely compact airframe
Twin piston or jet engines (variant dependent)

Typical specs:

Wingspan: ~16 ft
Engines: Twin piston or jet micro-engines
Role: Experimental sport aircraft

Why it stands out:
The Cri Cri proves that twin-engine flight doesn’t require a large airframe — or a large budget.

01:54 – Volonaut Airbike

Aircraft Type: Experimental personal flight concept

The Volonaut Airbike looks more like science fiction than aviation tradition. Featuring a motorcycle-style riding position, it represents the extreme edge of personal aerial mobility.

Design highlights:

Minimalist frame
Rider-mounted configuration
Jet or ducted-fan propulsion concepts

Why it stands out:
This aircraft challenges conventional definitions of airplanes altogether.

02:51 – Hummel Ultra Cruiser

Aircraft Type: Ultralight / Experimental

The Hummel Ultra Cruiser blends classic aircraft styling with ultralight simplicity. It’s a favorite among pilots who want a metal airplane feel without excessive complexity.

Design highlights:

Low-wing configuration
All-metal construction
Simple systems and controls

Typical specs:

Engine: Small four-stroke (VW-based common)
Cruise speed: ~80 mph
Role: Recreational sport flying

03:48 – CGS Hawk Arrow II

Aircraft Type: Ultralight / Light Sport Aircraft

The Hawk Arrow II offers a practical, enclosed option for pilots stepping up from open-frame ultralights.

Design highlights:

High-wing layout
Tube-and-fabric construction
Enclosed cockpit

Typical specs:

Engine: Rotax series
Cruise speed: ~85–95 mph
Seating: Side-by-side

04:44 – Kolb Firefly

Aircraft Type: FAR 103 Ultralight

The Kolb Firefly is a classic single-seat ultralight designed for short-field performance and simplicity.

Design highlights:

Folding wings
Pusher configuration
Open cockpit

Typical specs:

Engine: Rotax 447 / similar
Empty weight: ~250 lb
Takeoff distance: Extremely short

05:50 – Jordan Lake Air-Bike LS 103

Aircraft Type: FAR 103 Ultralight

This ultralight emphasizes minimalism to the extreme, placing the pilot directly into the airflow.

Design highlights:

Bike-style seating
Exposed frame
Lightweight powerplant

Why it stands out:
Few aircraft offer such an unfiltered flying experience.

06:43 – Pterodactyl Ascender

Aircraft Type: Experimental ultralight

Known for its distinctive wing and tail configuration, the Pterodactyl Ascender is instantly recognizable.

Design highlights:

Canard-style layout
Unique pitch control system
Open cockpit

Why it stands out:
Its unconventional aerodynamics make it one of the most visually unique aircraft in the video.

07:36 – e-Spyder

Aircraft Type: Electric experimental ultralight

The e-Spyder demonstrates how electric propulsion is entering the ultralight space.

Design highlights:

Electric motor
Lightweight composite elements
Quiet operation

Why it stands out:
Electric flight offers low noise, low vibration, and a glimpse into aviation’s future.

08:33 – ICON A5

Aircraft Type: Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)

While not an ultralight, the ICON A5 earns its place through design innovation and water-operating capability.

Design highlights:

Amphibious hull
Folding wings
Spin-resistant airframe

Typical specs:

Engine: Rotax 912
Cruise speed: ~95 mph
Seating: Two

09:27 – Aeroprakt A-22

Aircraft Type: Light Sport Aircraft

A workhorse of the light aviation world, the A-22 is known for stability and utility.

Design highlights:

High-wing design
Excellent visibility
Rugged landing gear

Typical specs:

Engine: Rotax 912
Cruise speed: ~100 mph
Seating: Two

10:25 – BlackWing 635RG

Aircraft Type: Experimental / High-performance lightweight aircraft

This aircraft represents the performance extreme of lightweight aviation.

Design highlights:

Carbon-fiber composite airframe
Retractable landing gear
High aspect-ratio wings

Typical specs:

Cruise speed: 200+ mph
Engine: Rotax 915
Role: Cross-country performance

11:35 – Earthstar Gull 2000

Aircraft Type: Ultralight / Experimental

The Gull 2000 emphasizes low stall speeds and forgiving handling.

Design highlights:

High-lift wing
Lightweight frame
Optional electric variants

Why it stands out:
It’s designed for pilots who value simplicity and control.

12:27 – Quicksilver MXL Sport

Aircraft Type: Ultralight / Experimental

A true icon of ultralight aviation.

Design highlights:

Open cockpit
Aluminum tubing
High wing

Typical specs:

Engine: Rotax 503 / similar
Cruise speed: ~45–55 mph
Role: Recreational ultralight flying

13:23 – Belite Chipper

Aircraft Type: Ultralight / Experimental

The Belite Chipper modernizes a vintage design using advanced materials.

Design highlights:

Carbon-fiber components
Lightweight taildragger layout
Classic appearance

Why it stands out:
Old-school looks with modern engineering.

14:20 – Aerolite 103

Aircraft Type: FAR 103 Electric Ultralight

The Aerolite 103 is one of the most recognized electric ultralights flying today.

Design highlights:

Electric propulsion
FAR 103 compliance
Extremely low operating cost

Typical specs:

Cruise speed: ~55 mph
Endurance: ~1 hour
Noise: Minimal

Final Thoughts

From backyard-built classics to electric pioneers and high-performance composites, this lineup shows just how broad lightweight aviation has become. Whether classified as ultralight, experimental, or light sport, every aircraft in this ultralight video shares the same goal: making flight more accessible, more personal, and more exciting.