A new regulatory framework for the ultralight aviation sector in Portugal is under development, with clear guidelines expected by the first quarter of 2026, according to Hugo Espírito Santo, who spoke today at a hearing in the Assembly of the Republic.
The Secretary of State highlighted a vision for “lighter, more agile regulation” to address sector needs, specifying that ultralight aviation will include aircraft up to a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kilograms. A streamlined process for transferring aircraft registrations to Portugal is also part of the plan.
“We need a smoother process for the entry of foreign aircraft and the transfer of their registrations,” Santo stated.
He confirmed that foreign-registered ultralights cannot operate freely in Portugal, noting that such aircraft, like cars, cannot remain in the country for more than 45 days.
Requested by Chega, the hearing also addressed the urgency for quicker processing within the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).
Santo emphasized that ANAC needs to digitize and make processes more efficient, suggesting an overhaul in the way procedures are handled and a shift towards online platforms.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a “safety culture” within the sector before moving towards self-regulation.
“We’ve experienced incidents without adequate reporting. The level of self-reporting on incidents should be higher, considering the general aviation subsegments,” he noted.
The Secretary of State mentioned that there are 383 ultralights in Portugal and expressed hopes to increase this number to 500 or 600.
In May, the Portuguese Association of Ultralight Aviation (APAU) sought legal changes to develop the activity and submitted a proposal to ANAC. APAU President Maria José Domingos explained that the weight increase in aircraft has not been reflected in national law, despite European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations allowing up to 600 kg maximum takeoff weights.
Domingos pointed out disparities in pilot operations, noting that while foreign pilots can operate such aircraft in Portugal, Portuguese pilots face restrictions. For instance, she stated, “In Spain, an aircraft between 450 and 600 kg can be flown with an ultralight license, unlike in Portugal.”
