Discussion
Ok yet another flying thread.
Reading up on all the PPl stuff, and flying light aircraft for fun, it seems a tad expensive.
Just wondering from a value for money type perspective how do microlights compare?
What sort of training is needed, and what are the costs involved?
How much does it cost to run one?
Just curious really, im not really in a position to be getting into another hobby just wondered what the "deal" was so to speak...
Reading up on all the PPl stuff, and flying light aircraft for fun, it seems a tad expensive.
Just wondering from a value for money type perspective how do microlights compare?
What sort of training is needed, and what are the costs involved?
How much does it cost to run one?
Just curious really, im not really in a position to be getting into another hobby just wondered what the "deal" was so to speak...
To fly a microlight you need the NPPL which is a shorter syllabus than the full PPL and microlight flying is cheaper per hour than 'ordinary' fixed wing.
Loads of info here: http://www.bmaa.org/
There are 2 types of microlight - the type most people think of ('Flexwing' or 'weight shift') - ie a bit of material and a lawnmower engine (!) and the 3-axis type that look more like 'real' aeroplanes. Weight is the primary defining characteristic (unsurprisingly - the clue's in the name I guess!) - full definition here: http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1416&p...
As with all flying best thing to do is to go and have a trial lesson to see if you like it - if you subsequently do your licence thattrial lesson counts toeards your hours so no loss.
Also, as you'll be on the NPPL the medical requirements are simpler and cheaper.
Enjoy!
ETA: examples of aircraft/shares in aircraft for sale at http://www.afors.com/
Loads of info here: http://www.bmaa.org/
There are 2 types of microlight - the type most people think of ('Flexwing' or 'weight shift') - ie a bit of material and a lawnmower engine (!) and the 3-axis type that look more like 'real' aeroplanes. Weight is the primary defining characteristic (unsurprisingly - the clue's in the name I guess!) - full definition here: http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1416&p...
As with all flying best thing to do is to go and have a trial lesson to see if you like it - if you subsequently do your licence thattrial lesson counts toeards your hours so no loss.
Also, as you'll be on the NPPL the medical requirements are simpler and cheaper.
Enjoy!
ETA: examples of aircraft/shares in aircraft for sale at http://www.afors.com/
Edited by LeeME3 on Wednesday 13th August 11:31
I don't fly but have previously looked into getting my microlight licence. buying and running costs look to be substantially cheaper than light aircraft such as Cessnas and PA28's. A weight shift microlight can be bought from as little as 2.5K. Getting your licence is also cheaper as less hours are required (minimum 25 as I recall). Modern 3 axis microlights have good performance and will match or exceed the performance of some older light aircraft. The downside is that these modern microlights cost big money (circa 40-50K when new, although obviously cheaper secondhand). Best bet is to look into buying a group share.
Downsides of microlights are the limited weight and luggage capacity, slower cruising speed, Vmax and climb speed than conventional light aircraft, affected more by wind speed, etc.
It depends on what you want to use it for. If you intend to fly solo most of the time and are just flying for pleasure from your local airfield then I would say microlights are a great option. Personally I'm not keen on the weightshift types of aircraft, much preferring the fixed wing 3-axis microlights.
All the best.
Downsides of microlights are the limited weight and luggage capacity, slower cruising speed, Vmax and climb speed than conventional light aircraft, affected more by wind speed, etc.
It depends on what you want to use it for. If you intend to fly solo most of the time and are just flying for pleasure from your local airfield then I would say microlights are a great option. Personally I'm not keen on the weightshift types of aircraft, much preferring the fixed wing 3-axis microlights.
All the best.
Edited by MGYoung on Wednesday 13th August 11:34
With ref to the trial lesson:
I had one a few years ago for a birthday present, and had a few too many beers and a curry the night before.
The results were neither unexpected, or pretty.
If you get a chance though, have a go in one, superb bit of kit, once you get passed the idea that it looks like a boiled egg with a mower engine on the back end.
I had one a few years ago for a birthday present, and had a few too many beers and a curry the night before.
The results were neither unexpected, or pretty.
If you get a chance though, have a go in one, superb bit of kit, once you get passed the idea that it looks like a boiled egg with a mower engine on the back end.
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