There are few better ways to spend a sunny afternoon than by flying a light sport aircraft and watching the landscape slowly unfold below your wings. That’s why LSA—also known as “LSA” to the FAA—are such a popular choice for pilots of all experience levels.
LSAs are designed to be affordable and easy for new pilots to fly. They typically have a maximum gross takeoff weight of less than 1,320 pounds and are equipped with fixed landing gear. Most have a conventional single-engine layout and feature a sleek look that’s appealing to those who prefer something a bit more stylish than a clunky, traditional four-seater.
In order to fly a light sport airplane, a pilot must hold a recreational, private or commercial pilot certificate and have at least 15 hours of flight training and 2 hours of cross-country flying experience. In addition, a pilot must be able to certify that they have no medical conditions that would make them unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner. This is a matter for each pilot to decide for themselves after consulting with their personal physician.
As an added safety measure, many LSAs have a ballistic parachute system installed in the event that the aircraft is forced out of control. This is a great benefit, but it shouldn’t be viewed as an alternative to careful planning for every flight and following the basic flight rules of the aircraft being flown.
When it comes to ensuring the safety of LSAs, the FAA has taken a different approach than with other airplanes. Instead of requiring that manufacturers go through an FAA certification process, they are required to meet agreed-upon standards set by the ASTM International F-37 Light-Sport Aircraft Committee. This allows for quicker changes to the aircraft as manufacturing techniques change or as new features become available. Aircraft built per these standards are known as S-LSAs and those constructed from kits are called E-LSAs.
As a result of the FAA’s decision to embrace LSA, there are now far more models of LSAs on the market. Some resemble the ultralights that have been popular with recreational pilots for years while others look more like conventional light aircraft. Somewhere in between, there are models that are a mix of the two. For example, the Quicksilver MX-II Sprint is an ultralight-style aircraft while the Carbon Cub, which looks much like the classic J-3 Cub, is an example of a more conventionally styled airplane.
Ultralight aircraft are a great way for pilots to fly without the expense and time involved in getting certified as a private pilot. They are also a lot of fun. They can be flown in fields, airports, and even in the water if you have floats attached to them. You can find these aircraft at many air shows around the country and there are plenty of clubs that offer camaraderie and flight experience to those who want to take part.
The FAA has a rule called the “ultralight category” that allows these aircraft to be flown without airman certification or registration. The main requirement for flying these aircraft is that they be operated for sport or recreational purposes and are conducted away from concentrations of people or aircraft operations. The FAA has taken the position that the risks involved in this type of activity are minimal and that participants are taking their own personal risks.
Basically, the rules require the aircraft to be light, have small engines and fuel tanks, and have limited speed. Some of these aircraft are actually kit aircraft that are built at home or at a factory and then completed by the pilot. These aircraft are generally referred to as “part 103” ultralights. Others are two-seaters or have greater performance and are what is known as a “light sport” aircraft. These aircraft are a bit larger than the 103 category and can have more speed, but they still operate without the need for conventional certification.
Most of these aircraft are flown by recreational fliers who are also members of the ultralight clubs. A few are used for survey and observation tasks but they are not suited to long range aerial work because of their relatively short flight times and inability to carry much payload. The FAA has been working with airport managers and ultralight operators in an attempt to develop standard operating procedures for operations at uncontrolled airports.
If you are interested in learning to fly an ultralight, there are several good schools that offer training and aircraft rental. You can also get instruction on a more conventional aircraft like a Piper Cherokee or Cirrus and then move onto an ultralight once you have some experience. The USUA estimates that it takes far fewer instructional hours to learn to fly an ultralight than it does to earn a private pilot’s license. That is one of the reasons that these aircraft have become popular for new aviators. But be warned; it is easy to become hooked on the thrill of flying low and slow with the wind in your face and nothing but sky and earth around you. You may never want to drive a car again! It is exhilarating but it can be dangerous as well if you don’t follow the safety rules. And don’t forget to wear a helmet! The air is much thinner at these lower altitudes. The last thing you want is to be the next victim of an ultralight accident.
Almost everyone has dreamed of flying and there is no better way to do this than in a microlight. With a maximum weight of two, these aircraft can take off and land in a very short distance on small airfields making them ideal for recreational use.
Microlights are built in a variety of ways from tube and fabric, to fiberglass or carbon fibre in later models. They all have to comply with recognised airworthiness standards and be able to carry a Pilot Certificate of Airworthiness. The ones that look like hang gliders are called flexwing machines or trikes and require the pilot to move a cross bar in front of them to effect control. They can be dismantled quickly and are suitable for trailer transport. The other type is a fixed wing machine that looks more like a conventional light aircraft and requires only one movement of the stick to achieve control. They are also far more thermally efficient and able to fly in conditions that would keep a flexwing grounded.
The cost of a microlight is less than half that of a light aircraft and the annual maintenance costs are considerably lower too. This makes them a great entry point to aviation for those who want to experience the thrill of flying but cannot afford to commit to the training requirements for a full pilot licence. They are also ideal for those who have a medical condition that prevents them from flying larger aircraft but who can pass the medical assessment needed to fly a microlight.
A good quality second hand microlight will cost around PS5000 with newer machines costing four or five times as much. It is common for people to buy into a microlight group reducing the capital outlay and splitting the ongoing running costs. Hangarage fees are also reduced by being able to fly from many small private and club sites as well as some of the general aviation airfields which now welcome microlights.
If you have a valid UK National Pilot Licence, including the NPPL(A) then flight experience in a three axis microlight can be counted towards meeting the required training time for revalidation of SEP and SSEA class ratings. In addition, if you have the ability to self-declare medically, then this can be done on a microlight and save the cost of a Class 2 medical.
There are many reasons to fly a microlight but most importantly it is about the joy of flight. Being able to take to the skies and fly low over the countryside, coastline, lakes or forests gives a unique view of the world below. This is a special experience that you will always remember.
We run a range of courses and microlight experiences, all supervised by an experienced instructor. Our introductory course lasts for 10 hours and includes ground school and a series of flights with your instructor. This is the foundation you need to progress to solo flight in a microlight and then on to a light aircraft licence.
Microlights are small and inexpensive to purchase and fly. They are used to gain flight experience and pilot licences before graduating to larger more complex aircraft such as a private or commercial Pilot Licence (PPL or CPL). In many countries flying a microlight is known as ultralight aviation.
Microlight aircraft can be found around the world. They range from the flexwing type that look like hang gliders to those with fixed wings that have ailerons and elevators. The majority are two seat aircraft, although single-seaters do exist. Some are powered by engines, whilst others use a parachute to deploy the wing. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes from basic, utilitarian designs to exotic, high-tech, high-speed machines.
Generally speaking microlights are very easy to operate. There are however, some very advanced models that require expert piloting skills to control and maintain. These machines are designed for use on grass strips and small airfields rather than the main airports where they may have to compete with larger and more expensive commercial aircraft.
Most microlights can be flown at relatively low altitudes – up to 2,500 feet agl depending on the model and country of registration. This means that they can be used in most rural and countryside locations. They can also be used at most small private airfields, avoiding the need to hire expensive hangarage space. In recent years advances in technology have made it possible to take off and land a microlight from very short grass strips.
Pilots can visit friends and relatives much more easily than by car. You can even go on long cross country flights of 1000 plus nautical miles over several days or weeks. You will need to find an instructor to help you decide which type of microlight is best for your needs.
To become a pilot of a microlight you will need to pass some ground examinations (Air Law, Meteorology, Human Performance and Aircraft Technical) followed by a practical test with an experienced Microlight Pilot Examiner. In the UK, you must also obtain a National Private Pilots Licence (NPPL(M)).
There are a number of different types of microlight available. The ones that resemble hang gliders are called flexwing or weight shift microlights. These have a flexible wing and the pilot controls them by moving a cross bar in front of them. The three axis microlights, on the other hand, have rigid wings and can be controlled in the same way as a normal aeroplane with a joystick or wheel and pedals for aileron, elevator and rudder. They can often be folded up for trailer transportation.
The choice of which microlight to buy depends on your plans and budget. A good second-hand two-seater can cost as little as PS5000, while newer and more sophisticated models are four or five times more. It is common for a group of people to buy in together which reduces the initial costs and shares maintenance and hangarage expenses.
Light aircraft are small airplanes used for various purposes such as aerial surveying, sightseeing, photography, cargo operations, skywriting and banner towing. They are often also used for flight instruction and are a common part of most aviation enthusiasts’ personal aircraft collection.
Light-sport aircraft (also known as ultralights or microlights) are fixed-wing aircraft that are less than the FAA’s maximum allowable weight for a sports plane, but not over the minimum take-off weight. They are generally used for flying recreationally, and can be flown in the USA by pilots who meet certain requirements, including an experimental light sport airplane license and a certificate of fitness.
Originally, ultralights were the hang gliding-inspired, lightweight aircraft that first took off in Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These were essentially small single-engine aircraft that relied on the weight shift of the pilot to control the airplane’s flight path, like hang gliding pioneer Otto Lilienthal’s 1890 Demoiselle.
Over time, ultralights gained in popularity as more people found them affordable to fly and easier to build than other types of airplanes. They are now a popular way for young people to get their start in the aviation world, and have been introduced in countries across the world.
They are a great way for beginners to learn about flying, and they can help you build your confidence as a pilot while you learn. They are very easy to build, and are very safe if you follow the proper procedures.
Safety is an important aspect of all flying, but especially for ultralights and light-sport aircraft. These aircraft do not have the same regulations or standards that airplanes and helicopters do, so it is important to keep your safety in mind at all times while you are out on a flight.
One of the biggest safety issues is flying too close to the ground, which can cause a lot of damage if you have a hard landing. Another common error is buzzing or scud running, which can also lead to an accident.
A good checklist is essential for any type of flight, but is particularly important when flying a light aircraft. They are easy to create and are an excellent way to keep track of all your flight procedures, which can be important when you’re under stress.
The checklists are a very valuable tool that will remind you of all your flight requirements and prevent any unnecessary accidents from occurring during your flights. They are a must for any pilot who has a small aircraft and they will save you time as well as money in the long run.
Some aircraft, such as light airplanes and floatplanes, can carry passengers for a short distance and are used by many people to make trips to remote destinations. They are often very affordable and can be a good way to travel to far off places, as compared to taking commercial flights.
They are a very convenient way to travel and can be extremely beneficial for business owners as well as those who want to go on holiday. They can be a great way to see the world from the sky, but you should always consider all the aspects of your trip before you decide to purchase any type of light aircraft.
Microlight flight is one of the most affordable ways to take to the skies. Unlike other pilot licences it does not require long hours of training and the cost of ongoing maintenance is far less than with a more advanced aircraft. This makes it an ideal option for amateur pilots who would like to fly for themselves before committing to the expensive training required for a more advanced licence.
Microlites are smaller and lighter than conventional light aircraft. They are also more stable in flight and can often be used for short distances. They are particularly suitable for flying over remote countryside and rural villages. They are also surprisingly economical, with fuel costs being a fraction of the price of a normal light aircraft.
There are two main types of microlight aircraft; weight shift (or flexiwing) and three axis. The former is developed from hang gliders and the pilot sits in an open cockpit, whilst the latter is more similar to a fixed wing aircraft.
Generally, weight shift microlights are slower than conventional light aircraft and offer a more relaxed flight. This can be great for those who enjoy the feeling of being in the sky and taking in the sights.
In terms of visibility, they are more difficult to see from ground level, but they do offer a better view when they are above the clouds. These can be quite spectacular and are a great way to see the beautiful scenery of the UK from above!
They are easy to use and safe, with many BMAA-approved microlight inspectors in the UK. They are much less expensive to fly, service and maintain than a light aircraft and can often be bought into a group which reduces the cost of ownership.
These are a great way to discover the amazing beauty of a country’s countryside from above, as well as the spectacular wildlife that inhabits it. For instance, the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia is accessible by air!
Located just outside Livingstone town, this microlight experience takes off from the Batoka Sky “Maramba” Aerodrome and takes in the magnificent Victoria Falls a mere 30 seconds after take off. The flight covers a circuit of the Falls as well as providing fantastic views over the Zambezi River and rainforest.
There are a variety of scenic flights to choose from, ranging in duration from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The flight is very comfortable, and there’s a full bar with tea, coffee and hot chocolate provided on all trips.
It’s a fun and exciting activity for everyone, including children. It’s also an excellent activity for couples or a family as you can have a private session for just the two of you!
The Gap-Tallard airfield is the perfect place to experience this type of flight, surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and lakes. This is a truly magical place to take to the skies and you will never forget your first scenic flight in one of these small aircraft!
