What is Microlight?
A microlight is defined in the UK as "An aeroplane having a maximum total weight authorized not exceeding 390 kg, a wing loading at the maximum total weight authorized not exceeding 25 kg/sq.m., a maximum fuel capacity not exceeding 50 litres and which has been designed to carry not more than two persons". (Article 106 of the Air Navigation Order 1989).

In practice this results in a simple, light weight machine which takes off and lands in a very short space (sometimes less than 50 m) is cheap and easy to maintain and fly, and is enormous fun.

There are several basic types of microlight:

  • Trikes, which are controlled by 'weightshift' in a similar way to a hang glider.
  • Three Axis which have controls akin to conventional aircraft.
  • Powered Parachutes which may be either the sort which has wheels or alternatively a lightweight kind which are foot launched. The latter are often referred to as 'Paramotors'.

The performance of both of the first two types is similar; a typical cruise will be around 50 - 65 mph. Each type has their particular merits.

Powered Parachutes tend to be limited to use in favorable weather conditions but are extremely easy to fly and often very compact.

Microlights are normally powered by simple two stroke engines, providing high power at low weight and cost. To fly in UK, the aircraft design must comply with airworthiness standards set by the CAA.

The UK standards are the most stringent in the world. The aircraft must also comply with strict noise requirements, set by the DoT and tested by the CAA. Microlights are the lowest cost, powered aircraft available. While a new, top of the market machine may cost £20,000, there are many fully airworthy, certificated secondhand machines available for less than £2,500. A secondhand single seater can cost less than £1800. An alternative to buying a new or used factory built machine is to build a kit or even your own design. Low costs do not only apply to purchase prices either: microlights can be easily derigged and packed up to be carried on a lightweight trailer for storage at home.

In spite of their low weight and cost, microlights are extremely capable aircraft. As well as being excellent fun for local flying, in competition standard machines frequently fly 1000 kms a day, stay aloft for 8 hours without refueling, and land in 50 m. In September 1995, 3 microlights were flown from Madrid to London in one day and two and a half hours. Many members fly over the channel and tour the continent with their machines Flights have also been made from London to Cape Town, India and Australia.