The benefits of modern fixed wing microlights are obvious. The performance of the Ikarus C42 is comparable to a Cessna 152 with a fraction of the running costs. The aircraft are also more modern and offer more space and comfort than the bottom end Cessnas and other similar aircraft. Add that to the short field performance of these aircraft as well as their acceptance into the larger airfield and airports the scope is enormous. Of course you can enjoy the best of both worlds by adding an SSEA (Simple Single Engine Aircraft) rating to your NPPL with as little as 5 hours additional training. After this additional training you will be able to fly simple engine aircraft up to 2 tonnes and 4 seats. Keep and eye on our website and Facebook page as we are currently working towards getting our own SSEA aircraft, which would mean you can get your Microlight rating AND your SSEA rating with us, staying with the same instructors all the way through.

For most people some type-specific differences training will be required. This can take as little as an hour but of course will depend on previous experience and aptitude. If you have a frozen PPL or LAPL you will need to pass a General Skills Test after your type-specific training which will involve a refresher for your test.

You can fly a microlight under the privileges offered by a valid JAR-FCL pilot licence or a UK PPL(A). Alternatively you can opt for an NPPL which will involve a GST and Ground Oral Exam but will give you much easier minimum requirements to maintain your license. SSEA aircraft can still be flown on your NPPL should you opt for it.

The factors that will influence this decision are mainly what you want to do with your flying in the future. You cannot add an instrument rating to an NPPL and hours flown on an NPPL do not count towards hours for a commercial licence. However, if your flying is VFR and you are flying SSEA type aircraft than an NPPL is a good option. You can also still fly at night with an SSEA rating if you have a valid Night rating. You can maintain your hours for SSEA by flying microlights as long as you complete at least 1 hour on each type that you wish to keep valid.

You must have flown at least 12 hours in the last 24 months, 6 of which must have been in the last 12 months. A minimum of 8 hours PIC must also be flown and you must have a minimum of 1 hour with an instructor in those 24 months. To maintain different type ratings you must also have a minimum of 1 hours PIC on each type you wish to revalidate.

You can exchange your JAR-FCL or UK PPL(A) for an NPPL(SSEA), however you will lose any additional ratings such as IMC or FI(A). To fly a microlight on an NPPL(SSEA) you will still need to complete a GST and Ground Oral exam.

Our typical trial flights last for 30 minutes or 60 minutes of air time, however we can arrange a flight of any length you would like if given sufficient notice! We can also take a trip to visit another airfield, so if you have anywhere in mind you would like to visit, just say the word!

Bring clothing that you would be happy to spend a little time outside in temperature wise. There are heaters in our Ikarus C42’s, but they are not as efficient as the heaters in your car. Please also wear footwear appropriate for driving a car.

Absolutely, we are always happy to tailor your experience to you so long as we are given enough notice.

The weight limit is 100kg, which is just less than 16 stone. There is no minimum weight limit. There is no minimum age, so long as you are old enough to follow instructions in the aircraft and be sensible while having fun. There is also no upper age limit. Please do make us aware of any medical conditions you may have BEFORE booking your flight.

Heavy rain, strong wind, poor visibility, and low sheet cloud (Stratus cloud) can ground us. Please be patient while waiting for your flight, especially in the winter months. We promise we want to fly just as much as you do, however your safety is our priority. If we need to cancel your flight, do not worry, we will book you in for another flight as soon as possible; normally be within the next 2 weeks.

Fixed wing microlights have varying cruise speeds depending on how aerodynamic they are. Our microlight training aircraft fly at a comfortable cruise speed of 70/80kts. That’s about 80/90 mph! This means that even on a half hour flight we can cover a 40 mile round trip (depending on how strong the wind is).

22,000ft is the current UK record for a microlight in the UK. In fact our Chief Flying Instructor here was an official observer of this record! However, to reach this altitude you would need specialist equipment and oxygen as microlight cabins are not pressurised! We normally fly very comfortably up to around 5,000ft, and your trail flight will most likely be flown between 1,500ft and 2,500ft.

Microlight flying is one of the safest ‘adrenaline’ sports there is. All microlight flying is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority and the British Microlight Aircraft Association. Each aircraft is rigorously maintained to the highest standard and every aircraft undergoes a daily inspection at the beginning of each day and another airframe inspection before every single flight taken.

YES! Absolutely! We have a large car park and a viewing area for your friends and family to watch you take off and land. There is also tea/coffee/soft drinks available as well as light snacks inside our club house. Well behaved dogs are also welcome. All microlights are two seaters though, so you can’t bring people with you up in the air!

the experience by just ask us when you get here before your flight. Videos take a couple of days to process and send out to our customers.