Microlight Types

There are different types of microlight from powered hang-glider types or flexwings, to those that look and perform just like conventional light aircraft. Reliable and economical purpose built four-stroke and two-stroke engines now make water crossings almost a routine occurrence. You don't need a large airfield, a farmer's field will do, and many microlights can be packed up, placed on a trailer and taken home to your garage. With relatively slow flying speeds and low inertia the microlight is one of the safest forms of recreational flying in the UK.

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
330kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane, or
495kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane

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"

1) 3-AXIS MICROLIGHT

This type of Microlight has controls in common with conventional aircraft in as much as they will usually have a control stick and rudder pedals to operate ailerons, elevator and rudder.

2) WEIGHTSHIFT MICROLIGHT

This type of Microlight is controlled by weightshift much akin to hang gliding. They can be recognised by their hang glider style looks with the TRIKE unit hanging underneath. The engine is attached to the trike and the pilot and passenger sit in the trike. These aircraft have been called the motorcycle of the air and are great fun to fly.

3) POWERED PARACHUTE

Powered Parachutes can be in the form of a trike unit under the canopy or footlaunched (Paramotors). Powered parachutes are very easy to fly and need only a small amount of space to operate. The limiting factor with Powered Parachutes is that the weather needs to be fairly calm.

Three Axis and Weightshift Microlights cruise at between 50 mph and 80 mph. Three axis machines tend to be slightly faster in the cruise but will burn more fuel so both types have their merits.

Microlights are fitted with 2 and 4 stroke engines but the former is far more common. Microlight 2-stroke engines can come with twin ignition systems and if looked after will give good service and reliability. The advantage with the 2-stroke engine is the high power to weight ratio making Microlights capable of good climb rates and making them fun to fly.Although fun to fly Microlights can travel very large distances.

Microlighting is the cheapest form of powered flying with aircraft starting from around £3500 for a second hand flexwing to £27000 for the most expensive 3-axis machine.