So, Tell Me About Microlighting
A microlight is a light weight, flying aircraft; during the 1970s and 1980s, people wanted to be able to fly affordably so microlighting was created as a way to allow them to do so. The weight and speed limits for microlight differ between countries as do the safety regulations to approve them; the United Kingdom is one of the strictest on these safety regulations. In the UK, the term microlight only applies to aircraft that has fixed wings and the regulations state that a microlight is limited to two people. The maximum total weight authorised cannot exceed 300kg for a microlight with one seat and must be below 450kg for a two seated one.
There are three types of microlight; the first generation was a powered hang glider. The steering on this was done by the pilot shifting his weight; the wings were flexible to make this steering easier and were braced to the machine by wires. The next generation came in the mid 1970s and still used wire bracing. There was a two axis control unit on these which was operated by a stick to control the elevators and the rudder. Usually, these planes had single surface wings and a few of the designs used spoilers on the wings.
The newest generation came around in the 1980s; this was a complete renovation on old designs. Instead of wire bracing, the wings were strut braced and the 2 axis was replaced with a 3 axis control system, which is on standard aeroplanes. These are the most popular amongst microlighters.
Most incidents through microlighting are due to pilot errors, because untrained people attempt to fly them without knowing about them. There are now days available where you can try microlighting for yourself; on these days a trained pilot will brief you and will come in the microlight with you to offer help if needed when in the air. These microlighting days are fantastic, they give you the chance to explore the local area from above and you’ll always remember soaring through the clouds in these incredible machines.
There was a time when microlight aircraft were used for little more than local flying; now, due to how cost efficient they are, many general aviation pilots are using high performance microlights. Flying over rooftops and towns is unforgettable in these lightweight aircraft, and should you be given the opportunity to try your hand at microlighting, you should most definitely take it.
Dominic Donaldson is an aircraft expert.
Find out more about Microlighting and other fantastic days out.