3 axis or weight shift microlight licence?
Discussion
I have always had a desire to fly and am now in the position to be able to make the first step, consequently I am looking to attain a micro-light licence. Now I am not sure what is the best option for me 3 axis or weight-shift. In the future I would look to hire or possibly be part of a syndicate. I can see the allure of both so at this stage have no preference. Is it possible to qualify in both and does anybody with experience know how long and how much roughly the conversion would take? All advice and viewpoints gratefully received.
Weight shift & 3 axis have the same licencing criteria so same time to solo & GFT. I'm interested in this and this has become a major source of reading for me http://www.bmaa.org/
Only snag is I weigh around 115kg so above the limit for most microlights.
Only snag is I weigh around 115kg so above the limit for most microlights.
I am doing my PPL(M) on weightshift (or flexwing) microlights.
infact... I spent an hour this morning trying to land one consistantly. Great fun.
The licence is the same for both flex and 3 axis and the requirements are the same. Minimum period of time to qualify for a full licence is 25hrs of which 10 need to be solo. You would really need to be particularly talented to achieve that. 30-35hrs is realistic. The following link to the Scottish Aeroclub Microlight Training School gives realistic ideas of cost and a good FAQ. http://www.sacmt.co.uk/
Once you have the license on whichever aircraft takes your fancy you are effectively "signed off" on that type of aircraft. For me to do a type convertion to 3 axis once I qualify on flex is (IIRC) a 10hr course in order to be "signed off" on that aircraft type but you fly on the same licence.
Great fun by the way
infact... I spent an hour this morning trying to land one consistantly. Great fun.
The licence is the same for both flex and 3 axis and the requirements are the same. Minimum period of time to qualify for a full licence is 25hrs of which 10 need to be solo. You would really need to be particularly talented to achieve that. 30-35hrs is realistic. The following link to the Scottish Aeroclub Microlight Training School gives realistic ideas of cost and a good FAQ. http://www.sacmt.co.uk/
Once you have the license on whichever aircraft takes your fancy you are effectively "signed off" on that type of aircraft. For me to do a type convertion to 3 axis once I qualify on flex is (IIRC) a 10hr course in order to be "signed off" on that aircraft type but you fly on the same licence.
Great fun by the way
As has been said it is the same license for both. I would have a go in each type and see what takes your fancy. Be warned last year after flying fixed wing for years decided that I should give flex wings a try. Now I have an itch that needs to be scratched. I see a deregulated single seater in my future.
Oh for all things microlight get down to Popham this weekend for the microlight trade fair.
Oh for all things microlight get down to Popham this weekend for the microlight trade fair.
http://www.microlightforum.com/ is a good forum, plenty of training blogs there for you to have a read of.
i am currently training 3-axis, think the weight limit on the craft i use would allow you to be a max of 90kg (taking into account the instructor also). The flexi's are lighter to start with so you can get away with more weight there if needed.
most places do trial lessons which cover the first part of the syllabus (i.e. counts towards the minimum 25 hours).
i think qualifying in one way and then wanting to switch to the other is a 10 hour conversion.
look up a book called "propeller head" by Anthony Woodward, cracking read and will whet you appetite.
i am currently training 3-axis, think the weight limit on the craft i use would allow you to be a max of 90kg (taking into account the instructor also). The flexi's are lighter to start with so you can get away with more weight there if needed.
most places do trial lessons which cover the first part of the syllabus (i.e. counts towards the minimum 25 hours).
i think qualifying in one way and then wanting to switch to the other is a 10 hour conversion.
look up a book called "propeller head" by Anthony Woodward, cracking read and will whet you appetite.
Edited by jjones on Wednesday 27th April 20:23
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