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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
ultralight vehicles; definition
Purpose
Defines ultralight vehicle and modifies the definition of advanced air mobility to include an ultralight vehicle.
Background
Advanced air mobility is an air transportation system that primarily uses an electric aircraft that includes an eCTOL, eVTOL and powered lift aircraft to carry passengers or cargo in an urban or regional area (A.R.S. § 28-8601).
Beginning September 1, 2026, the Arizona Department of Transportation must consult with stakeholders to develop a statewide plan or update the statewide aviation plan to include public vertiports, electric aircraft charging stations and advanced air mobility infrastructure needs. A political subdivision may establish the location of public and private vertiports, electric aircraft charging stations and advanced air mobility infrastructure needs, as prescribed (A.R.S. § 28-8602).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Defines ultralight vehicle as a vehicle that meets all of the following:
a) is used or intended to be used for manned operation in the air by a single occupant;
b) does not have a United States or foreign airworthiness certificate;
c) if unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds; and
d) if powered:
i. weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices that are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation;
ii. has a fuel capacity of less than five gallons;
iii. does not exceed more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight; and
iv. has a power-off stall speed of no more than 24 knots calibrated airspeed.
2. Modifies the definition of advanced air mobility to include an ultralight vehicle.
3. Makes conforming changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 5, 2026
LMM/ci