Ultralight aviation (called microlight aviation in some
countries) is the flying of lightweight, 1 or 2 seat fixed-wing
aircraft. Some countries differentiate between weight shift and
3-axis aircraft, calling the former "microlight" and the latter
"ultralight". During the late 1970s and early 1980s, mostly
stimulated by the hang gliding movement, many people sought
affordable powered flight. As a result, many aviation
authorities set up definitions of lightweight, slow-flying
aeroplanes that could be subject to minimum regulations. The
resulting aeroplanes are commonly called "ultralight aircraft"
or "microlights", although the weight and speed limits differ
from country to country. In Europe the sporting (FAI) definition
limits the maximum take-off weight to 450 kg (992 lb) (472.5 kg
(1,042 lb) if a ballistic parachute is installed) and a maximum
stalling speed of 65 km/h (40 mph). The definition means that
the aircraft has a slow landing speed and short landing roll in
the event of an engine failure. In mos