Ultralights & ULM for Sale
Ultralight, ULM, trike and weight-shift aircraft.
About Ultralights & ULM for Sale
Ultralights are how a lot of pilots — including me — discovered that flying was possible without selling the house. In Italy they call them VDS (Volo da Diporto o Sportivo), in France ULM, in the UK microlights, in the US Part 103 — different regulations, same idea: a simple, lightweight aircraft you can own, hangar and fly without the cost burden of a certified Cessna or Piper.
Modern ultralights are not the rickety contraptions of the 1980s. A Tecnam P92, a Pipistrel Virus, a Flight Design CTLS or an Aeroprakt A22 cruise comfortably at 100–130 knots, burn 12–18 litres an hour of mogas, and carry two people with a useful load that rivals many old certified singles. The build quality of European-certified ULM/VLA airframes is genuinely excellent.
On MarketplaceAviation we list ultralights and ULM aircraft from across Europe, North America, South America and beyond. Listings include 3-axis fixed-wing, weight-shift trikes, powered paragliders and motorgliders eligible for ultralight rules.
Most popular models in this category
Tecnam P92 / P2002 / P2008
Italian-built, refined, the standard of European ULM.
Pipistrel Virus SW / Sinus
Slovenian composite, exceptional efficiency and modern panel.
Flight Design CTLS / CTSW
German engineering, carbon fibre, very popular for personal flying.
Aeroprakt A22 / A32 Vixxen
Honest workhorse, low cost, good short-field performance.
ICP Savannah S / Bingo
Italian STOL, robust, perfect for unprepared strips.
Eurostar EV-97 / SportStar
Czech, all-metal, hundreds flying worldwide as trainers.
Pegasus / Skyranger weight-shift trikes
Open-air flying, the most affordable way into aviation.
What to verify before you buy
Engine type and TBO
Most modern ULMs use a Rotax 912 ULS or 912iS — exceptional engines with a TBO of 2,000 hours and a 15-year calendar limit. Check the time, the rubber line replacement history (5-year requirement) and the carb/fuel system condition.
Airframe inspection — composite or metal
Composite airframes need careful inspection for delamination, hangar rash and UV damage. Metal airframes need a corrosion check, especially on lower fuselage and around the firewall.
National registration and category
Ultralight registration is national, not international (unlike certified aircraft on ICAO rules). Verify the aircraft is legal in the country where you intend to fly and that your licence (VDS, ULM, sport pilot, NPPL etc) is recognised there.
Ballistic parachute (if fitted)
Many modern ULMs come with a BRS or Galaxy whole-aircraft parachute. Check the repack date — pyrotechnic charges typically need replacement every 6–10 years depending on the model.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a used ultralight cost? +
A clean 1990s–early 2000s ULM in flyable condition starts around €18,000–€30,000. A modern Tecnam P92 or Pipistrel Virus with a recent Rotax and modern avionics typically trades between €60,000 and €130,000. Top-end Pipistrel Virus SW or Pipistrel Velis Electro reach €150,000+.
Is a Cessna 172 cheaper than a Tecnam ultralight? +
Acquisition is sometimes similar, but operating cost is not. A Rotax 912-powered ULM burns 12–18 litres of mogas per hour. A Cessna 172 burns 30–35 litres of avgas. Annual inspection on a ULM is cheaper. Insurance on a ULM is usually cheaper. The total cost of ownership is roughly half of a certified single.
Can I get an ultralight licence as an adult beginner? +
Yes — and ultralight/VDS/microlight licences are usually the fastest and cheapest path to legal flying for adult beginners. The training is shorter than a PPL (typically 30–45 hours including theory) and the licence itself costs a fraction. Many pilots get their VDS or ULM first, then add a PPL later.
Are ultralights safe? +
Modern certified ULMs are designed to demanding European microlight standards (BCAR Section S in the UK, OACI/ENAC in Italy, equivalent across the EU). Safety record is comparable to certified light aircraft when flown by trained, current pilots. Most modern ULMs also have whole-aircraft ballistic parachutes — something that is still optional on most certified Cessnas and Pipers.