What are the requirements to operate in controlled airspace with a ULM?

In order to operate in airspace controlled by a ULM, you must request an exemption in accordance with Royal Decree 2876/1982 of 15 October 1982 regulating the registration and use of ultra-light-structured aircraft. The activities which would be considered exceptional cause, and for which the applicant must justify the exceptional reason for which he requests such suspension, shall be:

• Sporting events requiring entry into controlled airspace or operations at altitudes higher than those provided for in the Order of 26 April 1986 (300 metres high).
• Specific requests for entry into Control Areas (CTR) or Aerodrome Transit Zones (ATZ) for ULM for technical reasons or for the holding of events, participation in air demonstrations or in air laps.
• Requests for aerial laps requiring entry into controlled airspace.
• Exit outside Spanish airspace.

However, it may be possible to examine the feasibility of processing other types of applications not collected in the above cases. To start the process, you must submit the request using the format F-CSO-ULM-01. Together with the application, you must also attach:

• Proof of the capacity to represent the person signing the application, if applicable.
• In the case of ULM:
  • ULM pilot licence with appropriate rating in force.
  • In case of a request to operate in controlled airspace, it is necessary to have the radio telephony rating (Art. 12 RD 123/2015).
  • Certificate of airworthiness of the aircraft.
  • Certificate of registration of the aircraft.
  • Aircraft radio equipment certificate and station licence (if you request to operate in controlled airspace).
  • Aircraft insurance complying with the requirements of Regulation 785/2004.
  • If the aircraft is not registered in Spain, you must have an authorisation to operate flights in Spain. (which you must request in the mailbox sobrevuelos.aesa@seguridadaerea.es) https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/en/ambitos/aviacion-general/operaciones-no-comerciales/aeronaves-de-estructura-ultraligera-ulm

• Please note that:

Each ULM aircraft entering controlled airspace must have a radio equipment certificate and station licence, and therefore the pilot of that aircraft should have the corresponding RTC radio telephony rating.