Ghana's government has recognized the potential of ultralight aircraft and has created a license for flying them, which is called a "Private Ultralight Pilot" license. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, which is Ghana's version of our FAA, began issuing this license recently.
The organization WAASPS works closely with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and provides training for ultralight aircraft. They also provide crop dusting, aerial advertising, and airshows.
Ghana's GCAR Part 25 is very similar to the FAA's Light Sport Aircraft rule. It requires a pilot to have at least 30 hours of flight time, in which 10 of those hours must include solo flights.
This is very fascinating. There is a lot of potential for ultralights to help the continent of Africa build its infastructure. I hope that other African countries will duplicate this. It would certainly help with tourism, as well as with various different agricultural applications. And this seems to be what sets the GCAA apart from the FAA. The Ghanaians seem to have a clear understanding of how ultralights can further their economy down the road, whereas getting the FAA to create a license for flying ultralight aircraft was like pulling teeth.
Perhaps the commercial potential of ultralight aircraft should be the subject of another blog.
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