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(With thanks to Paul Woodruffe. Please note - costs have risen and fact s have changed since this was penned.)
Q: What is a microlight?
A: A microlight is one or two seat aircraft with a maximum take off weight
of 390Kg with a wing loading of 25Kg per square metre or less and a fuel
capacity not exceeding 50 litres.
Q: They're the big hanglider things then?
A: Mostly, yes, but convential ("normal") type aircraft are also available
which conform to the above microlight definition.
Q: It must be wonderful to be able to fly without licences and all that
beauracracy the CAA love?
A: Yes it must. But in the UK you must obtain a private pilots licence to
fly a microlight and the plane must have a permit to fly.
Q: Bugger me! A licence! I suppose that means you have to have a CAA
medical as well, probably involving the insertion of a cold, blunt,
instrument up the bum?
A: Sorry to disappoint you, but all you need is a "Declaration of fitness",
signed by your doctor, the form of words being "I am vaguely acquainted
with this geezer, and in my opinion he looks reasonably healthy and is
unlikely to drop dead whilst flying, and even if he does I hereby deny all
responsibility"
Q: So it's going to cost me thousands of quid to get this licence,
presumably?
A: Not necessarily, as the hours requirement is less than for a spam can. A
restricted licence is available in a measly 15 hours, however this is for
"wussies" so most people go straight for the full licence which can be
obtained in a minimum of 25 hours.
Q: But how much DOES it cost?
A: I don't know. It's a bit tricky to put a price on it because many people
start the training on a school aircraft and complete it on their own
aircraft. But 1500 quid is a price that I've heard bandied about.
Q: So not cheap then?
A: There is no such thing as cheap flying in the UK.
Q: But, presumably, it's the cheapest power flying by a long way?
A: Errrrr......not necessarily
Q: So what is?
A: Not telling.
Q: Well why would I want to fly a big hanglider powered by a Skidoo engine.
A: Because it is a truly wondrous experience and I can only suggest that
you try it for yourself.
Q: Given that I am convinced by the flimsy arguments above, how would I go
about finding a club or school?
A: Contact the BMAA at the address given on this page. They will either:
a) lose your letter
b) ignore your letter
c) answer your enquiry immediately with all the info you require.
Q: OK, I'm convinced, trouble is, when will I ever get to fly, what with
the bloody awful British weather and all?
A: Bit of a pessimist, aren't you, mate? Microlights will fly happily in
all sorts of crap weather - in fact winter brings some of the best flying
conditions. But a word of warning - if you fly an aircraft without a pod,
keep your legs shut - or your balls will freeze up and fall off.
Q: How much do the planes cost then?
A: Anywhere between 1.5K - 25K
Q: Bleeding 'ell. Wouldn't I be better off buying a flash car?
A: Nope. Take my word for it, there is no quicker way to get a woman's
thighs wrapped around your back (tandem seating arrangement).
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