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Here
is a selection of the questions most frequently
asked by people first entering the sport. Further
information can be found on the website of the
British
Microlight Aircraft Association.
What Is a Microlight?
A light Aircraft weight not exceeding 390kgs.
including pilots and fuel.
There are three types - flex wing (weight shift).
which is two axis, fixed wing which is three axis
and a variety of 'hybrid' machines.
Licence Required
National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL)
There is also a restricted version (see below).
Now long will It take to Learn?
It is a weather dependant sport and the recommended
minimum time is 25 hours - 10 hours dual instruction
and 15 hours solo. For the restricted version
the recommended time is 15 hours - 8 hours dual
instruction and 7 hours solo.
Exams
a) Air Law. b) Human Performance and Limitations
c) Navigation d)Meteorology e) Aeroplanes Part
1 (written) and Aeroplanes Part 2 (oral) which
forms part of the General Flying Test(GFT) at
the end of the course.
Medical Requirements
A Declaration of fitness needs to be signed by
your GP before you fly solo. You do not need a
full CAA medical. Click here to download a .pdf
copy of the form from the Civil Aviation Authority
website.
Age Limits
Solo flights can be made from the age of 17. Flights
can be taken by a person under 17 but only by
a qualified pilot with 10 hours as a pilot in
command. For air experience flights under the
age of 17 you will need a letter of consent from
a parent or gardian.
Where can microlights be flown?
Anywhere outside of controlled airspace and subject
to the 'Rules of the Air' and provided you have
the landowner's permission. If you did have permission
to fly in controlled airspace you must be in radio
contact.
Height
Generally flying takes place below 3000' although
a microlight is capable of flying much higher
- the world record is over 20,000'. Civil law
forbids flying closer than 500' to any person
or structure, unless taking off or landing.
How long does the field/runway need to be?
Take-off and landing requirements as defined by
the CAA are nearly 200 metres, but an aircraft
will get airborne in as little as 20 metres or
as much as 120 metres depending on conditions.
In reality a flying site needs to be 400 metres
and clear of obstructions on the approach and
on the exit. Flight tests on the Pegasus 'Quantum
582' flexwing in nil wind conditions are as follows:
Take-off roll, max weight ISA. = 85m approx
Landing on dry level grass, max weight, ISA ,
nil wind = 200m approx.
Distances
In the right conditions a range of up to 300 miles
can be expected from the 'Quantum'. Some aircraft
can travel much further.
Wind strengths
Take-off and landings are always done into the
wind. Ideal conditions are 5-10 mph. As a general
guide for newly qualified pilots up to 15mph headwind,
5mph crosswind and a minimum visibility of 5km
and with a cloud base of at least 1000' above
ground level is required.
Type of Fuel
A petrol (unleaded) and oil mix with a ratio of
50·1 is most common - similar to a 2 stroke
motorcycle. However most of the latest microlights
have four stroke engines using ordinary mogas.
The 'Quantum' has a 10 gallon tank and most aircraft
use approximately 2-3 gallons per hour at cruising
speed.
Radio
You do not have to have one but a lot of large
airfields require them. A radio licence is required,
is not difficult to obtain and costs approx £60.
The costs of radios varies from about £300.
Renewals
NPPL Licence - If you are under 39 a medical every
5 years, age 40 - 49 a medical every 2 years,
50 - 69 a medical annually and age 70 or over
every six months. 5 hours flying to be signed
and stamped by an authorised examiner every 13
months.
Aircraft Permit Renewal
Rather like an M.0.T. takes about 7-10 days and
is thoroughly checked over by an authorised body.
The costs vary - for a factory permit renewal
£165 for the 'XL' and £185 for the
'Q'. Both of these prices include V.A.T and BMAA
costs or a BMAA inspector can issue a permit renewal
at a much reduced price.
Conversions
Consult CAP 53 but CAA FCL4 will always summarise.
A pilot with a PPL (A) needs about 6 hour conversion.
A Hang Glider P2 pilot needs 15 hours instruction,
6 hours minimum must be solo, plus a General Flying
Test.
Prices
Second hand about £4500, a new aircraft
from about £9975 for a 'Quantum Lite' and
for a top of the range 'Quantum executive' £25,000
(both prices depend on instrument fit.)
Nautical Mile/Knots
A nautical mile is slightly more than a mile (1
1/7), and knots are slightly more than miles per
hour.
Legal Instruments
Altimeter and air speed indicator are the minimum
legally required instruments.
Other Costs
Club Membership is required, costs vary. Third
party insurance is required when you fly solo
and costs £130. The NPPL licence fee is
£113. BMAA membership costs £42 per
year.
Other Items of Equipment needed
Trailer - Helmet - Flying suit - Gloves - Warm
footwear.
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