DIFFERENT TYPES OF MICROLIGHTS AND -LICENSES

[Leonvz]

Sir,
My knowledge about microlight aviation is very limited but nonetheless I am seriously interested in the possibility to earn and qualify for a license and then to get my dream microlight.
My questions are as follows:
* how many different types of microlights are available;
* Which type of aircraft will be at the bottom of the prize range;
* I am tentatively interested in the tandem trike model (hang glider) type in layman's language;
* What are the different types/classes of licenses;
* What are the total hours of training for different types of licenses;
* Are all rules regarding solo flights and long distance flights applicable to all types of microlight aircraft;
* Can theory and practical training be done simultaneously;
* Can conversion between different types of aircraft be done and if so what rules are applicable;
* Does a specific license apply only for that specific aircraft?
Your consideration and time spent reading these questions are surely appreciated.
Leonvvz

[Tumbleweed]

Best is to find your nearest flight school and chat with an instructor and maybe bum a flip.

Tell us where you stay and someone will direct you to the nearest airfield.

Search for the MISASA web page and scroll through the info.

[Dish]

Hmmmm _ i have a few minutes so let me take a crack at this one...

how many different types of microlights are available; -
Plenty - lets start at the beginning - Essentially microlights fall into two categories Conventionally Controlled Microlights (CCM) and Weight Shift Microlights (WSM) - CCM are three axis planes like Bantams, cheetahs etc and WSM are weight shift like the GT450, aquilla, pegasus, cobra and several others. All have very different characteristics and are less or more suitable to certain conditions (wind etc) - your first choice is which you want to learn to fly and judging by your descrption of the "hang glider" type tandem, im assuming that your more keen on weight shift. In that category there are plenty available from "entry level" to high perfomance microlights. One of your criteria in decision making should be your intended use for eg If you feel like "patch" flying, (ie the area close to your airfield ) or whether your plan is to use it for long distance trips. The choice of aircraft is vast and the prices range accordingly from 40,000 to 500,000 - i wontgo into much more detail on this subject right now suffice to say there is a big choice available.

* Which type of aircraft will be at the bottom of the prize range;
Again _ you could find a reasonably old aquilla with a 503 Rotax engine for 30 - 50 thousand... there are generally a few on the market and more often that not tey are beautifully cared for and beautifully maintained. - depending on you, your size and your intended use, you may prefer a 582 motor or even a 912... obviously the bigger the motor the more expensive... you could budget to start at about 50,000 for a really nice plane.


* I am tentatively interested in the tandem trike model (hang glider) type in layman's language;
Typicaly known as a weight shift... based on the fact that the aircraft turns bu shifting the weight of the pilot in the cart below the wing. Nothing wrong with that , fantastic form of flying. Be aware though that all microlights are affected by wind, some more than others and often its a reall challenge flying a WSM in a big wind, as it has no rudder and it can be quite hard to keep working that Bar in windy conditions - as above there are many many choices


* What are the different types/classes of licenses;
Vaguey referred to in my first answer - its a NPL (national Pilots license) then categorised into CCm or WSM... even perhaps a little heavier LSA (light sport aircraft) -


* What are the total hours of training for different types of licenses;
I SPEAK UNDER CORRECTION LICENSE GURU's - feel free to correct or add to this... GENERALLY around 40 - 45 hours depending on your aptitude for flying. You will start with an instructor in the back and go through all the excercises - toooo many to mention here but that should amount to about 25 hours... (give or take) there are people who have gone solo sooner, some later, its not a race... once your instructor is satisfied with your progress you move to the MOST importnat moment fo your flying career - your first solo.... you will then spend 5- 10 hours in the circuit ONLY - doing touch and go landings until you are so sick of them you want to vomit... again, once your instructor clears you, you will then be allowed to fly in the GF (general flying area) - which you will... then comes a few cross countries and finally a flight test... if all okay you recieve your license - 45 - 50 hours of training

* Are all rules regarding solo flights and long distance flights applicable to all types of microlight aircraft;
YES - the rules are the rules. Radio work, navigation, circuit procedure, good airmanship and Safe flying are the order of the day... You will have it drummed into you how to do all of the above... weather planning, alternate stops in case of a problem, fuel management, human performance all form part of the license... you will go NOWHERE until your instructor deems your to be ready - AND THEN the learning begins


* Can theory and practical training be done simultaneously;
Yes - The license requires six theoretical subjects - be completed.... including navigation, air law, meteorology, airframes and engine, human performance and Radio work... they all require a RAASA apporved exam to be passed. This can certainly be done during your Practical work.

* Can conversion between different types of aircraft be done and if so what rules are applicable;
Yes... you may qualify on an aquilla for example, and then want to fly a pegasus. you will nedd to find an instructor that is rated on the pegasus to do your conversion. (most are rated on several types) - the conversion would entail essentially being familiar with the COMPLETE aircraft and its characteristics so that your able to fly it safely.. the instructor will spend a few hours, more if needed making sure your 'RATED" for that type. That Rating then gets added to your license and your rated to fly the two planes... more conversions, more planes your Rated on... there isnt a limit on how many tou can have on your license...

* Does a specific license apply only for that specific aircraft?
Yes. - simple terms, a 4 cylinder bantam is a 4 cylinder bantam.... a 6 cylinder bantam is a 6 cylinder bantam and they are different... a conversion is required albeit the fact that they are VERY simliar.. a better expample is a GT450 and a GTR - very very similar planes but require a rating on each

think that answers the bulk of your questions for now... feel free to PM me if you like and i will try and assist some more if needed, Tumble weeds right though, nip down to your closest airfield early on a saturday morning and talk to the lads... the Microlighting bunch are a very friendly lot, most often very happy to share a cuppa java (coffee) and talk about flying or give you an intro...

Hope that helps somewhat

[Leonvz]

MUCH OBLIGED for your assistance regarding my questions sir. I REALLY appreciate it.
Leonvz

[JCH]

* What are the total hours of training for different types of licenses;
I SPEAK UNDER CORRECTION LICENSE GURU's - feel free to correct or add to this... GENERALLY around 40 - 45 hours depending on your aptitude for flying

The Law requires at least 25 hours to qualify for a "weight shift" NPL license. 15 hours solo and 10 hours duel (with an instructor)
The reality is more in line with what Dish was mentioning.
According to my instructor, a nice rule of thumb for most is that your age will give you a good idea of how many hours you will take to reach a satisfactory level to pass the flight test.
Thus: 40 years old = about 40 hours, 50 years old = about 50 hours etc. Obviously 18 years old = the minimum requirement of 25 hours.
It all depends on your aptitude for flying as Dish said.

Follow the advice on getting up early on a Saturday and heading for your nearest microlight airfield.
You will have to get to grips with the fact that for weight shift flying, you will get up early and brave the cold to have the smoothest weather conditions.
Most of the guys/girls will be more than happy to chat to you (after their flying for the day)
Tell us were you live and we can direct you to the nearest field.
This is a great sport which is safe and enjoyable at a reasonable price.
This sport is Life Changing!

[goldie]

Are you sure you need a conversion between the 80/85hp Bantam and the 120hp.??

[Dobbs]

Hi Goldie, if I am not mistaken, the 120 HP engine takes it over the 450 kg (CCM) category, which then requires that you have the SPL.