Adventure and Activities

Taking to the air is a dream of many, but the immense cost involved in learning to fly usually means that it’s a pastime of few. The desire for more affordable flying led to the development of microlight aircraft in the 70s and 80s.

These super lightweight aircraft were once regarded as flying clotheslines, as early models were typically open-wire contraptions that couldn’t travel too far from base. However, microlights are rapidly transforming into high performance aircraft, capable of very respectable speed and range. They have even been flown over the summit of Mount Everest. The technological developments and greatly reduced flying costs have meant that microlighting is even growing in popularity among general aviation pilots.

Modern microlights are extremely lightweight powered aircraft with one or two seats. Since there are minimum regulations imposed, it means that they are easy to fly and are safe, as long as pilots undergo the necessary training course.

The safety regulations used to approve microlights vary between countries. Along with Italy and Germany, the UK has the strictest rules, while these are almost non-existent in France.
Joan Walsh of Saxon Microlights, based in Billericay, Essex, says: “To gain a licence, you must complete a course with a qualified instructor and pass theory and practical flying tests.
“To qualify as a pilot, you must be medically fit enough to drive a car and be at least 17 years old, but you may start having lessons from 14.”

An initial lesson, including an introduction, safety briefing and 20 minutes of flight time, costs around £50. Those who wish to pursue a training course for a pilot’s licence will be charged around £90 per hour as a student member of a microlight flying school.

Initially, all equipment will be provided by the flying school, but as the course progresses students will need to buy some items such as air charts. Once qualified, you will need to either buy a share in a group-owned microlight aircraft or purchase your own. Bought new, these can cost up to £40,000, though the price drops to as little as £5,000 for an airworthy microlight. Additional running costs to take into account will add up to around £25 per flying hour, plus any ground rent to store the aircraft. There are many variations of microlight, but there are two main types:

Flex-wing aircrafts, sometimes known as trikes, have their roots in powered hang gliders. These are essentially made up of a hang glider-style wing, with a three- wheeled enclosed pod suspended below. The aircraft is controlled by pushing against a horizontal bar in much the same way as a hang glider is flown. Flex-wing aircrafts generally have impressive climb rates and are ideal for rough field operation. They are also most often used to introduce students to the art of microlight flying.

The new generation are three-axis fixed-wing aircrafts, which look very much like a regular airplane. These use a conventional three-axis control for yaw, pitch and roll, using ailerons, elevators and rudder control surfaces. You can also fly a two-axis fixed-wing microlight that uses rudder controls instead of ailerons to turn the aircraft.