An FAA Part 103 ultralight is a very lightweight, single-seat flying vehicle that meets the definition in 14 CFR Part 103. If it qualifies, the FAA treats it as an “ultralight vehicle,” not a certificated aircraft.

For a powered ultralight, the principal limits are:

One occupant only — the vehicle is intended for a single person.

Recreation or sport only.

Empty weight: no more than 254 lb, excluding certain items such as floats and an allowable emergency parachute system.

Fuel capacity: no more than 5 U.S. gallons.

Maximum full-power speed: no more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed — about 63 mph.

Maximum power-off stall speed: no more than 24 knots calibrated airspeed — about 28 mph.

The major attraction of Part 103 is what you do not need. A qualifying ultralight does not require an FAA pilot certificate, aircraft registration, an N-number, an FAA airworthiness certificate, or an annual inspection under the normal certificated-aircraft rules. The FAA specifically confirms that no pilot certificate is required, although Part 103’s operating rules still apply.

There are significant operating restrictions. For example, Part 103 generally limits operations to daylight, requires the operator to yield right-of-way to other aircraft, restricts operations over congested areas or open-air assemblies of people, and restricts entry into certain controlled airspace without prior authorization.

This is particularly important for the Swan 103: simply calling an aircraft “Part 103” does not make it one. The actual aircraft, as equipped and operated, has to satisfy the Part 103 definition, particularly the 254-lb empty-weight, 5-gallon fuel, 55-knot maximum-speed, and 24-knot stall-speed requirements.