Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the spectacular Victoria Falls from above. The ‘Flight of Angels’ is undoubtedly the most breath-taking way to get those picture-perfect panoramic photographs of the gorges and Mosi oa Tunya National Park.
Designed for one passenger and the pilot you are guaranteed uninterrupted breathtaking aerial views of the’smoke that thunders’. This highly sought-after tour takes off from the Batoka Sky Maramba Aerodrome in Livingstone, Zambia.
Flying Over The Falls
Taking to the skies in a small microlight aircraft for a breathtaking aerial experience over the majestic Victoria Falls is an unforgettable way to see this natural wonder. With just the pilot and one passenger per flight, the flex-wing microlights are open air for a truly authentic flying experience and because they fly lower over the Falls than helicopters you really get a sense of the power of the “Smoke that Thunders”.
The short 15-minute ‘Flight of the Angels’ flight is an exhilarating introduction to the Victoria Falls and the spectacular gorge that the Zambezi River has carved into the landscape over thousands of years. The longer 30-minute version offers a different perspective on the mighty Zambezi as you make numerous circuits over the Falls, zoom over the islands near to the Falls and then fly upstream along the gorge into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
Both flights come with a wing-mounted camera which is operated by the pilot and pictures can be purchased after the flight. For safety reasons you cannot take your own cameras on the flights.
Getting There
One of the most exhilarating things to do in Victoria Falls is taking a microlight flight. This experience will see you flying over the mighty Zambezi River and the spectacular Victoria Falls, affectionately known as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ in a small, two-seater microlight aircraft.
This experience departs from the Batoka Sky “Maramba” Aerodrome just outside Livingstone town and you can choose from a 15 or 30 minute flight. The shorter microlight flight flies along the Zambezi River and circles the Falls and islands in the vicinity, while the longer version flies upstream to Kalai Island before heading back down towards the Falls and then flies low over Mosi oa Tunya National Park for unique game viewing opportunities.
With only the pilot and passenger on board the experience is incredibly personal and you can really get that bird’s eye view of the natural world. Each flight has a wing-mounted camera that takes photos during the flight, which are provided to you on a CD after the flight.
Safety
Feel the mighty power of the Victoria Falls from an entirely new perspective on this once-in-a-lifetime microlight flight. With just one passenger and a pilot in an open cockpit microlight, you can expect to soak up breathtaking aerial views over the roaring Zambezi River and gorges of Batoka Gorge on your half hour journey.
The flights are operated by a team of highly qualified engineers with years of experience who carry out regular servicing to ensure all the microlights have an excellent safety record. Although the ‘Flight of Angels’ helicopter flight also offers breath-taking views, we believe the microlight option is more exciting and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
When Livingstone first saw the falls, he imagined angels soaring overhead and this is a perfect way to get up close and personal with the’smoke that thunders’. A thrilling adrenaline rush that stimulates all your senses. This is a must-do! The cost for the 15 minute flight is $155 and the 30 minute flight costs $310. The photos taken during your flight are included in the price.
The Flight
One of the most unique and exciting Things To Do in Victoria Falls is a microlight flight. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will take your breath away. The so-called ‘flight of the angels’ will fly you over the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River for breathtaking views.
The short 15 minute flight makes several circuits over the waterfall and surrounding islands. The rain forest surrounding the Falls can also be seen as well as any wildlife in and around the National Park.
The longer 20-minute flight takes you further upstream on the Zambezi River towards Kalai Island and flies low over the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for some unique game viewing. Both flights are available at sunrise or sunset and wing-mounted cameras are used to capture the spectacular scenery. Images can be purchased after the flight. This is a unique experience and it is recommended that you dress warmly. The aircraft is a two-seater open cockpit microlight and is flown by an experienced pilot.
Mac cdl microlight are aircraft which are not regulated in the same way as regular airliners. The extent to which they are restricted in how, when and where they may be operated varies between different regulatory jurisdictions.
There are two basic types of microlight – three axis aircraft which look like normal aeroplanes and the weight shift (or flexwing) type which has a flexible wing on a tricycle undercarriage.
Safety First
The requirements for the operation of microlights and ultralights vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another but they usually include the requirement that they be operated by visual reference with the ground, a limit on the maximum height above the surface which may differ depending on the location and prevailing in flight weather conditions and / or a restriction on airspace access either conditionally (depending on air traffic control awareness or permission and / or prevailing in flight weather conditions) or completely. They are also normally exempt from normal aircraft licensing, pilot knowledge and medical fitness requirements. The ICAO definition of an ultralight aircraft is power-driven heavier-than-air vehicles not exceeding MTOM of 300 kg for a single seat landplane or floatplane and 495 kg for an amphibian or floatplane.
Easy to Fly
A microlight is a great option for those looking to experience flight without having to commit to a lot of hours towards obtaining a more advanced pilot’s licence. They also have lower maintenance fees due to their smaller size and simpler controls.
Breeze Aviation is a unique microlight training and flying experience located at Sherburn in Elmet. Their fleet includes the latest factory-built Eurofox microlights and a range of simulators for various training needs. Their unique training environment also offers helicopter training and charter, commercial flight training, and classic tiger moth experiences.
The Sherburn Aero Club is one of the largest aero clubs in Northern England. It is home to a large fleet of light aircraft and provides microlight training, flight charter, helicopter training, and more. In addition, it provides a range of simulators to help new pilots gain confidence before flying real planes. Its training program is based on the RAF-style syllabus and has been designed to prepare students for future careers in the air force, police, and other military fields.
RC Microlights are sophisticated in design, easy to fly and highly durable. They are powered by brushless motors and metal gear servos. They operate through a “Weight-shift” control system and perform like full scale microlights and autogyros without the need for king-post, landing wires, and luff-lines. This is a MIA innovative trademark feature.
MIA EZ(tm) Trike 1.0
The MIA EZ(tm) Trike 1.0 is a very sophisticated RC Model Electric-Powered Microlight, or powered hang glider. It is assembled, set up and flown much like the real thing – but via radio control – simpler and quicker. The wing is operated by weight shift control via servo link control from the rudder pedals (called “Indirect Control” in RC Microlight design terms). The main frame uses our MIA Flex(tm) press-fit connectors and MIA TUFF(tm) select light-weight metal and plastic parts to create a highly durable and crash-resistant structure. A 1092W peak rear hub motor drives a open differential axle for power and braking on both the front and rear wheels. 180 mm front and rear hydraulic brakes plus parking brakes provide a safe ride and good handling.
The EZ(tm) Trike requires a programmable 4-6 channel radio TX with Elevon mixing, matching RX and 500-800 mAh 2S-3S Li-Pol battery and charger for operation. Completed kits are shipped with the usual MIA “Kit Contents Checklist” and detailed Videos and Instructions.
MIA Condor(tm)
The Condor(tm) was one of the first MIA RC Microlights and was designed for durability, realism, and great flight performance. It utilizes an ultralight rip-stop nylon sail wing and bolt on carbon-aluminum frame. It features a similar control function “Weight-shift”, as used on rc autogyros and full scale rotorcraft, which allows the Condor to be flown as either a fixed or rotary wing aircraft. This and other MIA innovative trademark features, such as the Robo Pilot, TUFF hardware, custom pocketing, stiching and proprietary airfoil forming battens, are still utilized in today’s MIA RC Microlight designs.
A flexwing microlight is the most popular type of light aviation aircraft with open cockpits giving you unrivalled views. Also known as ‘weight shift’ microlights, they look like hang gliders on a trike and are controlled by moving the pilot’s weight to control the direction of travel.
Many flexwing microlights are also designed to fold up, providing you with easy storage if you don’t have much space at home.
P&M Aviation
Founded in the late 1990’s by the merger of two small UK microlight manufacturers Mainair Sports and Pegasus Aviation, P&M Aviation are recognized as one of the world’s leading light aircraft producers with an exciting range of flexwing microlights. Their aircraft meet and exceed the stringent certification requirements of the British Civil Aviation Authority – the toughest in the world today.
Their latest model the HypeR was launched at the weekend at the Microlight Trade Fair at Popham, Hants. This flexwing microlight trike has been designed for long distance touring comfort and offers adjustable seating with ample underseat storage. It also features a tall wrap around windscreen which is said to reduce turbulence and buffeting for both pilot and passenger.
At East of Scotland Microlights we are delighted to offer a choice of P&M Aviation wing and trike models. We will be pleased to help you decide which model would be most suitable for you, advise on accessories and colours of trike and wing and assist with the registration of your new microlight with the CAA. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will be on hand to guide you through the entire process.
Sherburn Aero Club
Sherburn Aero Club is one of the largest flying clubs in North England. It offers members a variety of aircraft and a friendly community of aviation lovers. The club also connects buyers and sellers to help them find the perfect aircraft for their needs.
The club’s fleet of light aircraft is suitable for beginner pilots and recreational enthusiasts. These aeroplanes are easier to fly than larger, more complex aircraft. This makes them the preferred choice of many beginners and recreational pilots who are looking to maximise enjoyment. However, some pilots are looking for a more challenging and rewarding experience. These are often called “microlights”.
The Sherburn Aero Club’s fleet of microlights includes the new 560 kg EuroFox. The new microlight is powered by a 160 hp fuel-injected Lycoming AEIO320 engine and has a three-blade MT propeller. It also has a single piece canopy and is fully aerobatic +6 – 3G. Standing charges are PS80 per month payable by direct debit and flying costs are wet at PS90 per hour. The group limits forward bookings to two sessions a year to maintain availability. The airfield is located at Sherburn-in-Elmet village, 5.5 NM (5.2 km; 3.9 mi) west of Selby. It has a grass runway with reinforcement matting and a permanent Display of Wind Directions on Runway 10/28.
P&M Aircraft Ltd
The company builds a range of world class flexwing microlights, drawing on over a quarter of a century of experience in design and manufacture. These aircraft embody proven innovations and provide the ultimate flying experience. The company’s aircraft are designed to UK Section S rules and meet worldwide requirements.
P&M Aviation Ltd is the result of a merger between Mainair Sports and Pegasus Aviation, two of the UK’s top microlight manufacturers. Its small versatile workforce creates world class ultralight category aircraft for discerning customers all over the world. The management team is only one step away from the factory floor which fosters a highly motivated work culture in this specialised company.
During the construction process, the company carries out stringent inspections and tests on the aircraft. It also provides maintenance services for its products. Its maintenance manual states that small holes, cuts, or rips can be repaired on the field, but anything larger must be fixed at an approved workshop. The company also repairs wing damage and replaces components such as propellers. The company’s wing is made of Dacron fabric, which has a series of holes in the leading edge to allow air to enter between the layers and inflate it during flight. This keeps the wing in shape against the pressure of air, which provides greater efficiency.
Soaring above the warm waters of the Indian ocean on your microlight flight may just reward you with the incredible sight of dolphins and migratory whales. You may also fly inland over beautiful undulating hills.
The microlight is a small, light aircraft that conforms with Federation Aeronautique Internationale and United Kingdom BCAR Section ‘S’ regulations for ultralight aircraft. It is a strut-braced high-wing, two-seater fixed-wing aircraft.
Affordable
In comparison to other more advanced licences, a microlight is much easier to access for novice pilots. This allows new pilots to experience the thrill of flight before committing the hours needed for an advanced licence. The cost of maintaining a microlight is also significantly cheaper than that of a light aircraft.
In addition, microlights are not affected by the same wind conditions as other aircraft which can make flying difficult. This means that flights are possible all year round. In the summer, a trip to Mpumalanga for a sunrise flight over the mountains is one of the best ways to experience the incredible colours and serenity of this region.
Another benefit of microlights is that they are slower than light aircraft, which can give a more relaxed flying experience. This may feel like a drawback to those who want to travel long distances in an aeroplane, but it can actually be quite liberating to enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace.
Fun
With an affordable price point, microlights offer lots of fun for those who love to fly. With a range of different aircraft and flying controls they can be flown by people of all ages and backgrounds. Even though many pilots will graduate to more complex aircraft after they acquire their microlight licence they are still a great choice for those who want to learn how to fly.
Fixed wing microlights like the FD CT can accommodate two passengers and are ideal for flight training or leisure flying. Designed with a high-powered engine and a variety of flight instruments the FD CT is perfect for enthusiasts and trainee pilots.
If you’re interested in learning how to fly a fixed wing microlight we have a number of specialist flight schools located all over South Africa offering microlight training and scenic flights. Scenic flights are also a fantastic experience gift idea for anyone with an adventurous spirit!
Safety
As with all flying, there are risks involved but the safety record of gliding and microlight aircraft is excellent. However, as with all things there are rules that must be followed; even the most talented pilot can come unstuck if they break the rules!
Once you have passed your training course and been awarded a National Private Pilot’s Licence (endorsed with a microlight rating) you will be able to fly any of the Powered Microlights we have for hire. Your instructor will advise you on the type of aircraft that is best for your needs whether this is local flights from a grass strip or longer cross country trips.
All Microlights must be governed by the same regulations as motorised aircraft so to fly one you will need to have a DCA authorised medical examination every two years (one if you are over 40). Your flight school will make sure that this is done properly and on time.
Adventure
Microlight flying is a relatively new age sport which offers you the chance to soar through the sky like a bird. It is a sport that is suited to people of all ages from all walks of life. Learn to fly with specialist microlight schools across the country.
The first generation of microlights began to appear in the 1970s. These were designed as powered hang gliders with engines and were generally wire-braced. They were controlled by shifting weight under the wing. The third generation of microlights, which arrived in the 1980s, are more conventional aeroplanes, with strut-braced wings and airframe structures. The majority of these have 3-Axis control systems, similar to those used on standard airplanes.
Many pilots opt to train on a microlight to obtain their Private Pilot Licence (PPL). However, it is possible for aspiring pilots to graduate from the microlight onto larger and more complex aircraft. However, to do so they must first pass a medical examination.
