Compared to larger aircraft, microlight aircraft are slower and cheaper to fly. They are also less expensive to hire, making them a great option for beginners. However, there are some important requirements to ensure you can fly microlights safely.
Before you take off, you must have a Permit to Fly. This document specifies the airspeed, airfield area, and structural limitations for your aircraft. A Microlight pilot must also be in good physical condition, and have a medical certification that matches the requirements of his licence. Depending on the country, the rules may vary. Microlights are not regulated as closely as larger aircraft, so you may not have to pay for airworthiness certification. Microlights can be operated with ordinary automotive fuel.
The height of a microlight aircraft must not be less than 500 feet above ground level. In addition, it should clear obstacles that are within 50 feet of the aircraft. The aircraft should also have a minimum field of 250 square metres. In addition, the field should be well-drained. The field should also be free of tall tress and buildings. You should also have permission from the landowner before flying.
Microlight aircraft are also required to comply with specific maintenance requirements. If your aircraft has a remote-controlled device, you must ensure that it is in good working order. Microlights should also have wind direction indicators. If you will be flying over a cloud, you may need to increase your distance from the cloud. You should also avoid flying over an assembly of people.
To obtain a Microlight pilot’s licence, you must complete the necessary training and pass a general skills test. You will then be issued a National Private Pilots Licence (PPL) by the Civil Aviation Authority. Those who hold a PPL will also need to pass the corresponding medical certificate. This is one of the cheapest types of pilot licenses to obtain. After completing the training, you will be able to take off and fly microlight aircraft.
Microlight aircraft are also certified by any Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) who holds a licence in the appropriate category. This is typically done by the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMA). The British Microlight Association also publishes Technical Information leaflets for microlights.
Microlights are also available in a variety of models, such as fixed-wing and flex-wing. The flex-wing has a delta wing, which means it can be controlled with a control bar. You will control the direction of the aircraft by adjusting the weight on the control bar. This type of microlight is also known as ultralights in the United States.
Some microlight aircraft have a shrouded propeller. This helps prevent it from obscuring the paraglider canopy lines. These aircraft can also be used to take video shots of the terrain. You can also hire a microlight to take a scenic tour of the countryside. These microlights are also used for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Microlight aircraft are usually restricted to areas with visual reference to the surface, such as farm strips. You should also avoid flying over congested areas, and not over an open assembly of people.