Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Medical Requirements?
Flying in the UK. A pilot may only fly microlights as Pilot in Command in the UK if they hold valid medical certification.
The NPPL medical certification can be by a Pilot Medical Declaration made on-line on the Civil Aviation Authority web site. This is a self-declaration system & details of how to find out if you are eligible to self-declare, along with validity periods & how to complete this declaration are published on the BMAA website.
Are there any age restrictions?
For training to count towards a licence & the hours be logged, the minimum age is 14 years. Solo flights can be made from the age of 16 years, and the minimum age to hold a licence is 17 years. With regards to an upper age limit, you are never too old to learn as long as you are reasonably fit and able to complete the Pilot Medical Declaration.
Are they safe?
In a word yes. All Microlight training aircraft have to be built by civil aviation authority (CAA) approved companies to rigorous airworthiness standards. Only safety checked and released materials can be used in their construction. Due to their light weight and low minimum speeds microlight aircraft have very good forgiving characteristics. However any aircraft is only as safe as the pilot who flies it, therefore thorough training and a high degree of common sense are both vital in the making of a safe pilot.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes there is a weight limit, but this depends on aircraft type. A recent change in the Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) permitted on microlights has made it easier to accommodate heavier people on certain aircraft. Our school aircraft is one of those types where this can be accommodated, however there are still limits. Our school aircraft can carry a student of up to 120kg, but sensibly we restrict this to around 100kg.
Be aware that if you purchase your own microlight you need to check the restrictions placed on it, with regard to weight, to ensure it will meet your needs.
Can I have a go, for example a taster lesson, to see if I like it?
Absolutely, we offer a thirty minute or a one hour trial lesson to give you a taste of this sport. If you decide to continue with training towards a licence this time will count towards the total time required.
Does the weather affect training?
Yes it does! Fair weather is required, especially during training where you will want to be concentrating on learning to control the aircraft before having to deal with the techniques required for more challenging types of weather.
In short the weather required for flight to be enjoyable and worthwhile for training is about the same as you would want for an enjoyable walk in the countryside.
Is it possible to fly in winter?
Yes it is! Some of the best & most enjoyable flying is during the winter! It is of course colder, but providing you wear sensible clothing the temperature is not a problem. Our school aircraft also has a heater.
How much does it cost?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it all depends on you. How often you manage to get to fly & how much dedication you have to learn will influence the time it takes, and hence the cost. View our prices here...