Questions and Answers

What are the pleasures of microlighting?
In a word, FREEDOM. Freedom to escape from the mundane routine of life on Terra Firma and from the confines of conventional flying.
Microlighting does not need the facilities that larger aeroplanes demand, any fair sized field can be your aerodrome, and your garage can be your hanger.
In the air, the views are out of this world. Skimming past the clouds, f lying high.. swooping down, simply unwinding and watching the ground slide by, the sense of freedom is complete. Without an enclosed cockpit and complicated control systems, you become part of the machine. It is you flying.

What is a Microlight ?
A microlight is defined as an aeroplane designed to carry not more than two people, with maximum fuel capacity of up to 50 litres and a total weight not exceeding 450 kg, That's what the book says. A better definition would be a small aircraft that is great fun to fly...
Also known as Ultralights around the world, these little aircraft have developed over the past ten years to an amazing level of sophistication Single or two seat, conventional 'stick and rudder' or 'flexwing' ' controls, high performance racer or sedate Sunday tourer, today's microlights are high-tech, well engineered and beautifully built machines. They have been flown to places as far afield as Africa and Australia to heights above 25,000 ft and at speeds of over 100 mph. They are not toy aeroplanes.

What do I have to do for a pilots licence?
A minimum of 25 hours flying time of which at least 10 hours must be solo. Most people take a little longer than the minimum flying hours required.
During your solo time you will be set two navigational tasks over a triangular course of at least 40 nautical miles. At the end of your training you will need to pass a general flying test with a C.A.A. approved examiner. You will need a 'declaration of' fitness' signed on a C.A.A. issued form by your doctor stating that you are free from heart disease, Insulin controlled diabetes, epilepsy, mental instability, etc.

How much does it cost ?
Training to Private Pilot Licence will cost between £1500 and £2000. It's cheaper on your own microlight.
Your microlight will cost from £1200 for a share in a good "state of the art" used two seater, or from £7000 upwards for a brand new aircraft all your own. Once you have your licence and your microlight your flying costs will be about £8 per hour.

How safe are they ?
A modern microlight is an extremely robust aircraft (6g positive 3g negative). Despite it's somewhat insubstantial appearance it is stronger than an airliner.
A microlight is also a very obedient aeroplane with no vices, During it's manufacture it is subjected to stringent quality controls by the Civil Aviation Authority.
So, as long as you fly them in an intelligent manner no harm will come to you or anyone else. Microlights, like most aircraft, are not designed for aerobatics.

Where can I fly from ?
Anywhere outside controlled airspace providing you have the landowners permission to do so. A microlight can land and take off from a 400 yd strip providing there are no high obstructions on the climb and approach.

How fast are they?
Most have a manufacturers and C.A.A. imposed speed limit (V.N.E.) of less than 100mph, Average cruise speeds are about 60mph.

How far can they fly ?
They have been flown as far afield as South Africa, Australia and east - west across the North Atlantic on some epic journeys. Closer to home the club pilot is regularly flying the length and breadth of the U.K. The maximum amount of fuel allowed to be carried on a microlight in the UK is 50 litres which allows a flight lime of 5 hrs and distances of about 240 miles.

Are there competitions in microlight flying ?
Yes. from club, European to the worlds, but you will need experience up to a certain level.

Do 3-axis and flexwing microlights have a different licence?
No, not at this time. Both are microlights in the view of the C.A.A. Obviously a flexwing microlight has a very different control system to a 3-axis and any pilot who is only familiar with one should not attempt to fly the other before going through a type familiarisation course (usually about 6 hours).

Can I do my own maintenance?
Yes. A microlight operates on an annual 'permit to fly'. This is similar to your cars M.O.T. In the same way you can maintain your road vehicle yourself you can maintain your microlight yourself. Microlights are not the only aircraft that operate on a 'Permit to Fly'. lt is a convenient way of reducing flying costs. The C.A.A. apply several restrictions on 'Permit to Fly' aircraft but these will not seriously reduce your freedom to enjoy your recreational flying.

How long will my microlight last ?
All your life if you take care of it. Aircraft are manufactured to such high standards and are subjected to such low stress that they don't easily wear out. Some small components are 'lifed' and will need to be replaced at 500 hour & 1000 hour intervals. If you allow £2.00 per flying hour from new you will have plenty in reserve for replacement costs.

How high can they go?
The record is well over 20,000 feet but this is not usual, Any modern microlight can achieve at least 14,000 feet without engine modifications. Above 10,000 feet you run into stricter regulations which include flight plan & equipping your microlight with a 'transponder'. The law also requires you to have oxygen-breathing equipment above 10,000 feet. Some people think that a microlight with suitable modification could reach over 30.000 feet in the right conditions, but this is debatable until someone does it.

I'm going for a trial flight, what do I need to take or wear?
Just wear your normal clothing, you will more than likely be provided with a suit, gloves, helmet and headset. Make sure you have a pair of firmly fitted boots or shoes on. DO NOT wear a scarf. Thats about it.

Can I take my camera up and take photos?
You will need to check this with the pilot. If the camera has a good neck strap and you can use it without lifting your visor in flight you may be OK.

I weigh 16 stones, can I still fly?
Check with the pilot, you may find that you are at the top end of the weight limit, however they may have a top spec machine that can handle the large passengers.

I'm flying later today, the weather outside looks lovely, why do I need to phone the pilot and check its OK to come to the airfield?
The weather can be deceptive, what seems nice to the novice can actually hide one or two things that the experienced pilot will not be willing to fly into. It is also possible that the weather where you are is good but a few miles away it could be a different story.

Questions and Answers.