Modern Microlights cover a wide range of machines; everything from the hang glider-like flex wings ('aka' weightshifts or trikes), to machines which look like, and sometimes outperform, traditional light aircraft.

The UK definition of a Microlight is -

"Microlight aeroplane means an aeroplane designed to carry not more than two persons which has:

(a) A maximum total weight authorised not exceeding:

300kg for a single seat landplane
450kg for a two seat landplane

and

(b) Either a wing loading at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 25kg per square metre or a stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 knots calibrated airspeed"

Do I need a Licence?

Yes. Obtaining a licence for a Microlight has actually got much easier! Before now, you had to complete the PPL (Private Pilot's Licence) but this has since changed to the NPPL (National Private Pilot's Licence).

How long does it take to learn and is it costly?

For Powered Parachutes you only need 4 hours instruction and for less that £300 you could have your licence. Problem is with this type of Microlight, they are very few instructors and to be honest, the most popular types of Microlight are the Flexwing and Fixed Wing - It is a weather dependant sport and the recommended minimum time is 25 hours. 10 hours dual instruction and 15 hours solo in order to obtain your full licence. Bear in mind this is the MINIMUM and very rarely would someone complete it in this short period of time. The best way I have found to find out how long it will take a person to fly, is to change their age into hours i.e. A 40 year old man usually requires 40 hours of instruction.

You will also have to sit 5 multiple choice exams - don't panic though, with some study you will pass them with flying colours - excuse the pun! You will also need to take the Radio Telephony exam if you intend to use a radio in flight, which in practice you will need to do. They may sound daunting, but they are actually quite straightforward.

After that, all you have to do is your General Flying test which is with a flight examiner and usually lasts for an hour. It's much like your car driving test, except you're in the air! Typical costs for training are £60 for half hour, £110 per hour. It's not really that costly and there’s so much to gain from having your Private Pilot's Licence!

How much does it cost for a Flexwing Microlight?

As always, how big is your budget?

Flexwing Microlights start out cheaply. You could pick up a good reliable second hand flexwing for £3,500 but they can rise to £28,000 for a ‘sports’ model.  A small price to pay for so much fun!

Where can Microlights fly?

The simple answer is - anywhere outside of controlled airspace and subject to the 'Rules of the Air'. If you do want permission to fly in controlled airspace you must be in radio contact having passed your licence exam. You will be able to see from a map (or chart as they are known in flying circles), where you can and can't fly. But nearly all micro lighters do actually fly in controlled airspace - all you do is make a simple radio call to the air traffic controller and ask for permission to enter. Basically, with the right qualifications and equipment you can just hop in to your Microlight and fly as much as you please!

Are there any age limits and what about medical requirements?

- Minimum age for Training is 14
- Minimum age for Solo flying is 16
- Minimum age for Licence is 17

As for medical requirements, you do not require a full aviation medical. All you need is to go along to your local GP and ask them to sign a declaration of fitness before you fly solo. Medical Certificates must be renewed as outlined below:

- Up to 45 years of age -> No Renewal
- 45 to 65 years of age -> Every 5 years
- 65+ years of age -> Every year

What are the weather limitations for Microlight flying?

Microlights are best flown in light winds, up to 15 knots, good visibility and not in rain. Microlights cannot be flown at night or in cloud.

What type of engines do Microlights use?

Most modern Microlights use purpose built engines designed and built in Austria by Rotax. Most of these engines were two strokes but four stroke is becoming the norm now and they all use ordinary unleaded petrol. The power output from a modern Microlight engine can be as much as that from a small car. The drive to the propeller is via a gearbox. This is to reduce the RPM to allow the propeller to run at a lower speed than the engine. This makes the aircraft much quieter as most of the noise is generated by the propeller. There are other types of engines in use, but the Rotax units are by far the most popular at the moment.

Can anyone make an income from Microlight flying?

Not under UK law because a Microlight may not be used for commercial gain. They are strictly for hobby use, for example they cannot be used to transport goods or passengers if money changes hands. The exception to this, of course, is where a Qualified Flying Instructor is teaching a student to fly.