Why Choose The Microlight Route?

Perhaps you should really be asking “Why not?”

The modern microlight, provides a lower cost entry into aviation. They allow you to fly a modern technology, high performance aircraft, at a small fraction of the cost of a traditional light aircraft. You will be able to fly far more frequently without breaking the bank.

Bust those myths!

• Flying is a rich mans game, I could never afford to learn to fly. — WRONG!
• Learning to fly is too difficult I could never do that. — WRONG!
• I am too old to learn to fly. — WRONG!
• Microlights are not real aeroplanes. — WRONG!
• Microlights are not safe. — WRONG!

You can safely answer a resounding NO to all of the above. Discover the world of the modern microlight and you will find that you CAN learn to fly at an affordable price, and in a proper, safe aeroplane.

For many years anyone wanting to learn to fly had no alternative but to train for a Private Pilot’s Licence on a traditional light aircraft. But that has now all changed. Following the introduction of the microlight with its simplified licence requirements there was at last an alternative route. Microlights have changed out of all recognition since those pioneering days of the 70s. The modern microlight is comfortable, safe, fast, affordable, and FUN. The microlight route is cheaper in terms of both training time and costs, with it’s reduced hours requirements, and in running costs, making for lower cost lessons and flying.

A microlight is simply an aircraft that meets the weight and stall speed requirements of the microlight definition, they are fundamentally the same as their heavier counterparts, just smaller, lighter and more agile. They have exactly the same controls as heavier types, but due to their lower weight have far higher performance. A typical modern microlight will have a power to weight ratio approaching 200 BHP/Ton. This means that it will leap into the air like a scalded cat, and climb like a homesick angel. It’s not just about cost though, they are actually far more fun to fly, due to their sprightly performance and agile handling. You will also be able to fly far more often, due to the significantly lower operating costs. Why wouldn’t you choose a modern microlight over an old fashioned dinosaur, using 1950’s technology and eye-wateringly high running costs.

Some advantages of microlights:

• Only 5 theory exams – (as opposed to 9 for a PPL)
• Simplified medical requirements – (No need for a medical, just a self declaration.)
• Reduction in minimum training hours – (25 hours as opposed to 45 for a PPL)
• There is even a restricted form of the licence which reduces this minimum to 15 hours!
• Simplified (lower cost) airworthiness requirements. Providing safety without prohibitive costs.
• Lower maintenance costs.
• Lower operating costs, fuel consumption is typically around 10-12 litres per hour on ordinary motor fuel.
• Far more up to date aircraft, engine designs and avionics.
• Far better take off and climb performance, allowing operation from the smallest of farm strips.
• Just more fun to fly!
• Once you have your licence, there is a simple route, to add additional ratings, allowing you to fly the heavier aircraft up to 2000Kg which includes those such as Cessna and PA-28.

What is the definition of a Microlight? 

The definition of a microlight was changed late in 2021 to allow heavier aircraft to be classified as microlights. Before the change the definition of a microlight was:

• A maximum of 2 seats
• A stall speed, or minimum steady flight speed, in the landing configuration, at maximum take-off mass, not exceeding 35 knots calibrated air speed (around 40 mph)
• A maximum take-off mass not exceeding 450 Kg for a 2 seat land plane, (or 472.5 Kg when equipped with a total recovery parachute system)

Following the changes to the Air Navigation Order, aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of up to 600 Kg and a stall speed of up to 45 knots can now be classified as microlights. The additional weight allowance and increase in stall speed has opened up the category to far more sophisticated aircraft

The most common questions we receive:

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The reality of high performance microlights:

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