Flying Microlights Part 1

Flying for fun is fantastic, and microlights offer a truly affordable and accessible route into this amazing world of aerial adventure. Modern microlights enjoy exceptional performance and an excellent safety record. Generally, if you are medically fit to drive a car, you are fit to fly.

Community and accessibility

There is a strong UK community of disabled microlight flyers, some using modified controls to overcome limited mobility. Importantly, you can obtain your licence for around half the price of a UK CAA PPL and operate at a fraction of the cost of traditional aircraft like a Cessna 150. With the same budget, you can fly significantly more.

Is microlighting right for you?

To keep costs low and safety high, there are a few standard limitations:

• Daylight Only: Microlights fly under visual flight rules (no flying in clouds or exceptionally poor weather).
• No Aerobatics: These aircraft are designed for touring and fun, not stunts.
• Two Seats: Limited to a pilot and one passenger.

Fixed-wing vs. Flexwing

The term ‘microlight’ covers a broad range of aircraft, primarily appearing in two forms:

1. Fixed-wing microlights

These are lightweight aeroplanes controlled using a traditional stick and rudder. Examples range from the basic to all bells & whistles! Examples:

• The Thruster: A simple tube-and-fabric aircraft cruising at 65mph.
• The Dynamic: A sleek, carbon-fibre aircraft cruising at 125mph.

2. Flexwing microlights

Traced back to powered hang-gliders, these feature a triangular fabric wing with a tricycle fuselage pod suspended below.

You sit out in the elements with a helmet and flight suit, manoeuvring via a horizontal weight-shift bar. Modern flexwings are surprisingly capable tourers.

The 600kg weight limit

The ‘quantum increase’ in the weight limit from 450kg to 600kg (effective back in 2022) revolutionised the industry. This change allows for aircraft with exceptional load-carrying capabilities, such as the Evektor Sportstar SLM:

• Useful Load: Approx 285kg.
• Performance: Carries two 90kg adults at 110mph.
• Range: Up to nine hours of fuel (100 litres).
• Storage: 25kg of luggage capacity.

Training & licencing

The British Microlighting Aircraft Association (BMAA) oversees training and licencing in conjunction with the CAA.

The National Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL)

To earn your microlight class rating, you must complete:

• Flight Time: Minimum 25 hours (including 10 hours solo).
• Cross-Country: Two 40nm navigation trips.
• Exams: Five multiple-choice papers (Air Law, Meteorology, etc.) and a General Skills Test (GST).
• Medical: Usually based on DVLA Group 1 standards (self-certification).

Click here for Flying Microlights Part 2, including flight schools information