Discussion
Thinking about having a go in a flexwing (weightshift) microlight with a view to getting my licence if I enjoy it. Anyone on here a qualified microlight pilot?
Costs seem reasonable and there is a small microlight school 20 minutes from home with their own hangar. My list of pro’s and con’s below.
Pro’s
1. Relatively cheap to run (circa £35-40 I think)
2. No need for full medical, only a certificate from your GP.
3. Costs for obtaining licence are considerably less than for a PPL. (Around £3500)
4. Good club near to me.
5. Can land and take off from very short strips and no need for a tarmac strip either.
6. Good performance - top speed only around 90-100 mph for a 4 stroke powered machine but rate of climb looks to be impressive at around 1200 ft / minute at maximum take off weight.
7. Quick rig / de-rig time – around 5 minutes.
Con’s
1. Limited luggage space
2. No weather protection
3. Not exactly comfy!
4. Safety record? Not sure on this one.
5. Can’t fly in clouds / rain - could limit use
What are your thoughts on the above?
All the best.
Martin.
Costs seem reasonable and there is a small microlight school 20 minutes from home with their own hangar. My list of pro’s and con’s below.
Pro’s
1. Relatively cheap to run (circa £35-40 I think)
2. No need for full medical, only a certificate from your GP.
3. Costs for obtaining licence are considerably less than for a PPL. (Around £3500)
4. Good club near to me.
5. Can land and take off from very short strips and no need for a tarmac strip either.
6. Good performance - top speed only around 90-100 mph for a 4 stroke powered machine but rate of climb looks to be impressive at around 1200 ft / minute at maximum take off weight.
7. Quick rig / de-rig time – around 5 minutes.
Con’s
1. Limited luggage space
2. No weather protection
3. Not exactly comfy!
4. Safety record? Not sure on this one.
5. Can’t fly in clouds / rain - could limit use
What are your thoughts on the above?
All the best.
Martin.
I used to own one but never got my licence.
It took me a while to get to where I kept mine, then I had to rig it, hope the weather held and have an instructor available all at the same time, it got a bit frustrating in the end.
Fantastic fun but I would consider getting your hours up abroad where the weather is a bit more consistent.
It took me a while to get to where I kept mine, then I had to rig it, hope the weather held and have an instructor available all at the same time, it got a bit frustrating in the end.
Fantastic fun but I would consider getting your hours up abroad where the weather is a bit more consistent.
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