What is a Microlight aircraft?
The Microlight aircraft
A microlight aircraft is a category of aeroplane which by definition :-
- Has a maximum take off weight not exceeding 450kg
- Has either; a wing loading not exceeding 25kg per sq M, or a stalling speed not more than 65Kph (41Mph).
- Can carry a maximum of 2 persons.
The advantages of this formula over conventional aircraft are many and include :-
- Economy of operation and purchase
- Easily transportable and some types can be rigged and ready to fly in under 30 minutes
- They can be flown safely from small fields.
- Maintenance is simple and can be done by the owner - subject to certain conditions
There are two general types of microlight aircraft; Flexwing and Fixed-wing.
Flexwing
The flexwing (also known as a weightshift or trike) has a wing reminiscent of a hang-glider with a trike unit containing the engine, seats and landing gear suspended below. Flexwings are the most numerous kind of microlight. They are traditionally at the lower end of the price scale, can be towed on a simple trailer and stored in a normal garage. All flexwings are open cockpit.
Flylight currently have both P&M Quantum and GT450 machines available for training purposes. The Quantum is a good mid-performance flexwing, with a degree of comfort and security that have made it a favourite with flying schools around the world. The GT450 is one of the latest breed of high-performance touring microlights, capable of 80mph cruise speeds and long-distance touring flights using its 100Hp Rotax 912S engine.
Fixed Wing
The fixed wing (also known as a three axis) microlight resembles a conventional light aeroplane in both looks and control systems. They tend to be more expensive and bulky to store than their flexwing counterparts, but are not as weather restricted and have the option of closed cockpit. Also a licence gained on a fixed wing microlight can be cross-credited towards the grant of other aviation licences.
Flylight's fixed wing training aircraft is the Cosmik Aviation Eurostar. With a cruise speed in the region of 100mph, the Eurostar offers a high performance touring machine, along with the easy handling and short field capability of more traditional microlights.
Flylight also offers part-share syndicate ownership of some of its Eurostar fleet, allowing qualified pilots to continue to enjoy the luxury end of the microlight market with minimal financial outlay.