Jet Flew Below Ultralight Airplane, Descending from 10,000 Feet, Raw 

Airline pilot here: I think it’s great you have a love for aviation. As others have mentioned, not communicating with ATC nor having a transponder at that altitude, while legal, is reckless. You’re putting many lives in danger. Even on a VFR day, a jet moving quickly would have little time to react IF they see you.

As an airline pilot, I will join the chorus of those pointing out that flying that high without contacting ATC, or at least having an altitude encoding transponder is beyond irresponsible. I hope the FAA finds you and deals with you. You are potentially putting hundreds of lives in danger. Shame on you!

Years ago I was flying an MD-80 into Austin Texas. At about 5-6000 feet we popped out of the clouds, and one of these aircraft was just off to our left. We missed him by less than 200 feet. I could see his white sneakers as he banked away from us. ATC didn’t see him and neither did we on our tcas. Scared the hell out of us and imagine him too!

As an ex pilot ,low time,I try never to criticize afellow pilot,but you have no business at that altitude .stay low and enjoy the scenery. That's what they were meant for.

Ultralights are fun, especially down low where they're supposed to be enjoyed. You are over 9,000 feet too high and a danger to all other aircraft, since we can't see you physically or electronically. Case in point: About a year ago an ultralight was at 5,000 feet SW side of Houston. A turboprop pilot was in communication with ATC, and neither knew ultralight was there. They collided and killed both If anyone wants to fly their own craft above 500 feet, you need the proper equipment to keep everyone safe. Please don't post stunts like this. It misleads the public and creates needless hazards to life.

The faith you have in that motorized kite is unfathomable.

No radios, no transponder, NO BRAINS! Flying around at 10,000ft is asking for a midair with EVERYONE! It is damn near impossible for us to see small GA aircraft when doing 250 knots below 10,000 ft little less you tooling around in a kite! Be responsible and stick to low altitudes buddie! It’s dangerous for all!

Man's really flying a paper clip up at 10,000 feet.

Seems to me that if a commercial aircraft flew under him at that altitude, then he crossed over the approach or departure path of a nearby airport. Doesn’t strike me as a vey smart thing to do without communication with ATC and/or a transponder.

Just found this video. As soon as I started watching it I knew the comment section was going to be Lecture City. Back in the late 80s when I could afford it I owned a '58 J35 Bonanza for several years. Aviation has been a lifelong interest/study. The lectures are absolutely correct - without comms you were a total menace up that high. Then there's the other side... I bought a 10-yo twin engine Lazair ultralight kit that had been about 20% completed from a fellow who had long ago lost interest and spent a years worth of weekends completing the project in my garage. Test flying that, in hindsight, was probably not using best judgment (I got my share of lectures too) but I was never more thrilled. Lost one engine on the first run! Sold it five flights later, before it bit me. So, seen both sides and I can truly share the feeling! But next time, get a radio and put some strobes on that thing. The Bonanza side will greatly appreciate it.

Years ago a friend of mine got into flying ultra lights and one problem he noted was that flying on hot days at high altitude you could get into a thermal that literally would keep pushing you back up no matter how hard you worked the controls to descend. One time he said he had to cut the motor and go into a steep dive just to get low enough, fortunately the mother restarted when he was out of the thermal and he made a safe landing. He sold the aircraft shortly after that.

I was a powered parachute pilot for 12 years. Although i usually stay at or below 1000 AGL, I did take several trips to ceiling. I always communicated with the local ATC including my frequency to avoid mishaps. It was always kinda spooky, though, due to the low airspeed and always being on the watch. I did use a transponder, which kept me in good graces with local ATC. I only had one close call all those years - it was a guy in a Kit Fox with no communication. Tower was not pleased . . .

No transponder, no comms and ATC, no helmet or O2 not even in flight gear - this isn’t grass roots flying this is flying lawn chair stuff and that commercial traffic is a factor with no TCAS it’s really unwise. When I was training we had a near miss with a rogue untracked paraglider and later in my career we were diverted due to a hot air balloon that strayed into the circuit. Flight is a privilege not a right, it has to be done right or not at all. One man’s freedom could be a whole lot of other people’s hell. You people scare us regulated law abiding flyers. I mean you don’t even have a runway with a sock in the vicinity of horses.

This is why we can’t have flying cars

I was flying at 10,000 feet one time on an IFR flight plan and happened to fly past an ultralight cruising at the same altitude. Told ATC and they said that they didn't have them on radar and appreciated the call out. Please, for your sake and others stay low where you should be and don't endanger those flying at higher altitudes.

28 years ago flew the same plane. Quicksilver MX isn’t it? Anyway, very similar, but I used to fly it around and would look down and then look at the cables and the flimsy wing, I thought to myself, hell no. I had no money but went home and bought a $5000 BRS parachute on a credit card. Enjoyed flying much more after that.

That is what concerns me with the ultra lights. They are small and hard to see. Things happen really fast and unless you are sporting a transponder, nobody knows your there. They are fun to fly, and below 1000 ft AGL is where they shine. I had most fun below 200 in the open areas.

In the UK you'd go to jail for flying at 10,000 without a transponder, radios, oh, and ATC clearance. That's if you didn't cause a midair collision first.

Every ultralight, hang glider, parachute fan, etc. should be required to be 100% hunter orange and covered in reflective tape.

What time mark does the jet fly under?

I am a private pilot and own a Cirrus. Watching your video gave me the willies.

Flying that high with no parachute is nuts if you hope to live a long life.

I’m surprised that engine was still running as well as it was at that altitude. I took my Challenger single place to 10500 and the engine was barely running. I think it was turning around 4500 rpm at WOT up there. It was also super cold. I had ski jacket, overalls gloves and the like. I was shivering up there. Needless to say I didn’t stay up there very long. I only did it once. After that I never felt the need to do it again. I think the highest I had my Quicksilver Sprint was 6700 feet. It sure gives you a different perspective. I went on to get my PPL and bought an old Cessna that I had for 10 years then got out of flying. I have to admit that I had more fun in ultralights than I ever did in GA. ULs are less restrictive and you can take them with you on trips. Just unfold it, put it in a trailer and away you go.

Looks dangerous like hell

10,000 ft. on what appears to be a glorified bicycle frame out in the elements and no parachute? That is crazy to me. What could go wrong? (Sarcasm)

I think you are either brave or nuts (or both) flying at that altitude and then taking your phone out without it being tethered in some fashion (or attached, securely, to the strut next to you). I’m glad you made it safely to Terra Firma!

If this guy had stuffed himself through the windshield of a 787, who has the liability?

I feel like I'd be more comfortable with a parachute on that high lol. Thats nuts

as someone who's afraid of heights it's absolutely mind boggling that this is real and you are in fact over the clouds while not being enclosed , same with skydiving and all that , just can't wrap my head around it

This guy is still in the gene pool

I dont fly but it seems highly irresponsible to fly that slow, that high without any tracking for anyone else to know your there? I doubt them kites were desighned for that kibd of flying? And whats with the phone loose in your hand😱? If that fell and hit someone it would kill them!

10,000 feet with no transponder, radio, or navigation lights. I would think that common sense would dictate this could be seen as an aviation accident waiting to happen.

It don't get much better than this man, very nice video. I hope to be up in the clouds myself one day, keep on driving That plane.

You can take an ultralight to those altitudes but the question is, Should You? Not smart in the least. To take an aircraft to these altitudes and places where much, much faster aircraft operate is just STUPID to the core!!

As a child, I always wondered what goes on above the clouds. Now I know.

Echoing @keithjones197, as an air traffic controller with more than 30 years experience, flying a slow ultralight at that altitude is extremely risky. Even a Cessna 180 is flying at twice the ultralight's speed and likely would not expect it in his or her flight path. The ultralight's profile would be hard to discern at any distance. Closing at 90 knots would complicate avoiding the ultralight.

This is absolutely reckless and foolish. Not only could get this pilot killed, but other totally innocent people in the air and on the ground could die. I love aviation. I suppose this is why the video was suggested. I have no problem with ultralights, but please stay below 1,000 feet. No problem. Get a transponder and lights. The FAA should be all over this, and people like him that risk others lives for absolutely no reason other than the desire to push the limits. Enjoy flying, but consider others in doing so. I fly as a passenger a lot. I’d do not want these folks or others like him anywhere near my planes.

Looked like a ton of fun! I would love to try this! Thanks for sharing!

I flew in a 2 seater style like this years ago. All i remember was the racket from the motor and vibrations. Was cool being able to look down and have essentially 100% visibility. Grew up riding 2 stroke motorcycles and the noise of those was nothing compared to an ultra light.

10,000 ft with a lawn mower. dude you better strap a skydiving rig on next time. that's wild

I don't see how you're not wearing a jacket! I know it's cold up there

Thanks for putting the effort and money into s 2 camera video. Adds a lot of demsion. Love it. Two cameras, twice the editing! 😊 lookin great 👍

I recognize that patch of real estate near srq off of Fruitville Rd. I used to fly model airplanes with my grandfather off a grass strip that had an old WW2 style hanger on it. Strip still looks there but the hanger is gone. When I was cfi at the flight school I taught at, we used to take out students out to that practice area right there. Be safe, and happy landings

Dang, you got balls of steel. You wouldn't catch me flying that high in the air sitting on a jungle gym with wings. I would have a hard enough time just riding a regular plane.

Wow! The very fact that a kite with struts can reach 3000m at all is a marvel in itself. I'm guessing that in the event of engine failure, the glide capabilities of such a light craft would see you to the ground in one piece.

No business being at that altitude,real hazard to all other aircraft.

*the confidence level that nothing will go wrong* ..... 🙏

Glad you lived to tell the tale! I would be worried something would fail that far up, plus you could get lost. I'd need to see roads to navigate. Be safe and live your life! TC

Just a lap belt? What do you do if you hit a rotor or other mechanical turbulence that flips you over? Just slide out of the seat and fall out?

Looks like the jet was not "below" him, just lower than him to the left by a great margin.

Madness, but i admire your brave craziness - I certainly would not be brave enough to even think about it

That is not safe. First thing. You should be wearing a full face helmet, gloves and some sort of insulated flying suit if you are going to be flying @ 10,000ft. Suppose your sunglasses fell off? Just because you can fly @ 10k doesn't mean you should. I would definitely suggest wearing a parachute if you are going to be flying 3k or above.

Kinda makes me wonder what it's like getting sucked through a Jet's engine. Or worse, getting tossed around in a Jet's wake turbulence.

And just how are other planes and jets supposed to know he is there? No strobe, no radio traffic no control.

Did that in my ultralight many years ago. It's an eerie experience because you lose all sense of motion. You're just floating in the air sitting in a lawn chair. Made for a nice front row seat to a sunset.

Theres nothing as enjoyable as flight❤

I have been flying for 25 years. This would frighten me if I were cruising in the Piper Archer. These are hard to see, and I don’t think they belong too far above pattern altitude for that reason. I once was on a x country flight, and a Cessna came out of nowhere. I tried to avoid the airplane by turning to the right. Just as I turned right, that airplane also turned right. So, I tried to do a 180. Then that airplane turned towards me. Thank God they saw me and got out of my way. If it was an ultralight moving at 50 kts I hate to think what would have happened as I was cruising at 110 kts. Also, I am not seeing where your instruments are located?? I am sure you have something but I am not readily seeing them.

Reminds me of the days flying fixed wing gliders. He probably could have enjoyed a little thermal fun with those flat bottom clouds. I often encountered thermals that nearly exceeded my best rate of decent. And on one flight a giant twin engine turbo prop flew directly under me. Clearing me by maybe 200 feet. Scared the bejesus out ob me.

I've been a pilot since the 70s. Have two experimental planes and a J3 Junior ultralight. It is equipped with a transponder. Obviously don't need to use it. But you never know and there is a lot of military aircraft that fly quite low. Also my runways in the trees. Point is it doesn't take a much larger aircraft passing overhead for an ultralight that weighs 277 lb ( safety equipment allowance) to lose control.

"What's your tail number? We've a number for you to call when you're ready to copy." 🤣👍

It would have been quick, if he hit. How many others would have possibly needlessly lost their lives, however. If you haven’t got a transponder and aren’t visually well set up, you shouldn’t fly at high altitudes in a string-bag.

Wow. I’d for sure drop my car keys and never find them again. Great views - looks like fun! 😅

THAT LOOKS LIKE A BLAST!!! BRAVO!!!

As a pilot who has been flying for 74 years, I feel inclined to tell you that I cannot find my pants

What is the L/D of the ultralight? If the engine stops, how well does it glide? Catch any lift from thermals? I'm glad to see you scanning around you. My flight instructor asked me once, where I was looking. I said forward. He said to scan, as you just never know if another airplane will pass over or sneak in from behind.

does it have anti-collision lights? Must be cold up there. If you hit a downdraft that thing would probably fold like a kite.

I waited for that point but didn't see it - was it that fast , , ?

Absolutely crazy, but I'd lie if I said I didn't enjoy it. Glad you got down safe.

When I took flying lessons the instructor firmly told me that unless I had a flight plan showing it I was never to go up to 10,000 ft. And that was on a single-engine Piper Cherokee 6. Unlicensed ultralights should have a 5,000 foot limit unless it’s in a rural area not near any major airports. You’re lucky, pal.

Using the iPhone, or whatever the hand-held device was, for altitude and navigation, only works if you don't drop it and it holds a charge for quite a while. It appears that your safety depended on always having it available, but you had no security cord for the device either around your neck or attached to a point on the Ultralight from which you could always retrieve it, if you lost your grip on it. Flying without a light-weight emergency parachute seems to be a completely unnecessary risk - and no fuel system and no internal combustion engine is 100%, or even 95%, failure free. Perhaps you could glide from a 9,900+ foot altitude back to a landing spot, if the engine failed, but with such seemingly small wheels(wide-angle wing camera lens may make them look smaller than they actually are), it seems the landing spot you select, and commit to landing on, would have to be very smooth to avoid a wheel catching and the plane nosing over, possibly inflicting major damage to the airframe and to you. I am not a pilot, so my concerns may be unwarranted in the scheme of things. People like me watch these videos, because we would like the idea of the freedom offered by an Ultralight and the opportunity to fly an Ultralight on more than one flight, but without any unnecessary risk of crashing or becoming disoriented on the first flight, or any thereafter. Thanks for sharing this video of your experience.

I once had a Martin Mars water bomber fly between me and the ground when I was only at between 500-750 ft after being up 10, 000ft at Youbou, British Columbia. It wasn't scary, I just thought, Jesus that's a big plane, and I wonder if they saw me?

Might be foolish but this takes a lot of balls.

That's why I don't think I'll ever get up there that high. Too many other faster planes. I'd be so scared to get hit. Low and slow for me. Glad to see you up there tho. I got my plane up to 150' on Tuesday. I'll be doing circuits soon and taking small trips.

My daughter was talking to me, so I looked away several times. At what point does the jet appear? Thanks for the video!

Thanks so much for not having music. I like the wind noise and the sound of everything rattling around.

Just awesome

I'm sure it's been mentioned but quick couple of questions. Do you have a radio or ADSB on that ultralight? If you have a radio, flight following would be an excellent choice just so they know where you are and can let others know as well. ADSB would let everyone else know where you are regardless if on flight following or not. It's difficult enough for me to spot actual aircraft when I'm flying much less an ultralight. Anywhere between 4,500 and 9,500 is prime altitude for GA aircraft so use good judgement! Just a few thoughts

Looks so peaceful when the world slows down up there. Enjoyed the flight.

10,000’ with no comms? Nuts!

I'm just some retired Air Force Senior Numnutz 1C, 😦 BUTT!!😮 If you are going to fly at that kind of altitude maybe a nice little ultra big STROBE fkn LIGHT?!?!??!??!🤓 ...might give a little more sense that you might be SEEN!!!!👀👀

I'm surprised that the FAA doesn't require you to have some sort of transponder such that the ATC will see you on the RADAR and warn all air traffic

I would assume you must be flying in a cleared area for an ultralite to be at that altitude? As a consumer drone pilot, I have to be very aware of NOFLY areas, and even then keep below 500 feet in just about every area. It looks amazing, but seems very dangerous to be at 10,000 feet in an area where jets are flying and coming in for landings.

My brother, an ex navy pilot died in one of those. He was blown into high power electric wires. High or low these ppl are daredevils and nothing will stop em from achieving their dreams.

You sir are certifiably crazy. Please ultralights, 🙏🏻If your going to fly up that high. Use adsb in and out. At the very least in. They are so hard to see especially with white wings and clouds around. I get it. Your in a pretty remote area, airspace wise (I would hope and imagine anyway) your doing frequent scans. It’s just so risky with no adsb. Looks awesome for sure. I do want to get an ultralight or gyro plane one day. They look like a blast to buz around in. But I wouldn’t fly anything without adsb and a radio.

Where's the jet?

Does it have a parachute? I’d feel better if I had one in case something happened. I worked with high voltage electricity on poles and I’ve done para gliding off of a cliff with a teacher so I’ve dealt with heights but I’m not sure how I’d like this activity.

Used to skydive on the Space coast of Florida. Often saw airliners nearby while we were in free fall. Pattern into Orlando International takes planes down the east coast. Of course, our pilot was in contact with ATC, but seeing an airliner close enough to see people looking out the windows is a bit surreal.

Have been to 4500 meters (15'000 ft) on my paraglider and had 2x Swiss F-18s fly under me (was quite relieved to see they were going slowly about 1000m below me - heard the noise long before I could see them!)

Do you have a transponder in that thing? If not, you need to get one if you’re going to be up that high. I’m in the right seat all the time in our Cirrus and my husband and I are constantly looking for ultralights and other aircraft that are in the air without transponders.

Looks peaceful 😊

Transponder and radio at that altitutde, even for the sake of VFR traffic utilizing flight following. I wouldn't do more than taxi that rig without a parchute. A ballistic parachute for the aircraft would also be on the list. Nice view from up there.

Can Air Traffic Control see you in the flight paths of others..? do their radars pick you up?

I believe the FAA rules should change requiring all aircraft, including ultralights, to have a transponder and ADS-B out within 30 nautical miles of class B or C airports AND, say, above 3000 AGL. Just too dangerous without this. They can still fly there; we just need to be able to see them.

I didn't think ultralights were allowed to be that high. And I didn't see any jet.

That's awesome. I was at 3000 feet on my second paramotor flight, outside my municipal airport's traffic pattern. I got to see a mooney come in through the pattern and land. I have an air band radio and I give my position a lot. I just worry that bigger planes won't be listening to my local airport frequency. I fully plan to go to 10,000 feet, but I have been following the traffic patterns in my area and know which parts to avoid. Thankfully the airliners around my town are all still above 15,000 feet because they're heading to Charlotte or Columbia. I wish I had some sort of transponder that was cheap and easy to run off a battery. I would get one.

There's not a chance my phone wouldn't be tethered to me if I was pulling it out in one of those things.

I’m not even a pilot and my first thought was “ what the hell are you doing at 10,000’ in an ultra light?”😳 I listened to a 2 tours in VietNam loach helicopter pilot describing his wartime expierences who said he took his aircraft to 10,000’ one time and would never do it again voluntarily. This guy had been shot down 16 times and you could tell he thought that was dicey.

Whipping ur phone out to take a video at 10k feet… some ballsy shit right there

if it were me I might look into staying clear of jet traffic areas, one could be right on you before you know it , same with the other pilot, by the time he or she realizes what is up it might be too late to avoid coming together, not to mention what might happen to the jet if the collision was in an engine or the windscreen, etc...

Pushing 10,000 AGL… you gave that kite a workout my brother! Blue skies 🫡