Are They Birds? Are They Planes? No, Theyre Microlights!

Man has always held a fascination with being able to fly and a new generation of

microlights is making the sensation of soaring like a bird even easier to attain with these simple to fly and cost effective machines.

Ultralight aviation started in the 1960s with very precarious-looking microlights, which were often described somewhat unflatteringly as flying bath tubs thanks to the oval shaped open cockpits. These early flexi wing models could never be described as comfy and the noise from the rear-mounted engine meant microlight flights were an almost deafening experience.

In recent years there has been a quiet revolution in microlighting, as companies started to build and produce new generation microlights that look just like a Cessna-type light aircraft, with a closed cockpit and a propeller on the nose.

However, these new flying machines are still classed as microlights, as its all about the weight. To be categorised as microlights, the aircraft have to be less than 450kg and with a stalling speed of no more than 65km/h.

Manufacturers such as Comco Ikarus in Germany and Evektor in the Czech Republic abide by these rules, yet somehow manage to produce a microlight that flies and looks just like a standard light aircraft. You can even find microlight formation display teams at airshows showing off the planes aeronautical prowess and manoeuverability.

Anyone wanting to fly a microlight, both the flex and fixed wing types, will need a pilot licence. However, would-be pilots can book microlight flights that are treated as a trial lesson, with a chance during the flight to take the controls included.

Leading online retailer of flying activities, Intotheblue.co.uk, has a full range of microlight flights available online, whether its a delta style fixed or flexi wing microlight for that authentic experience, or one of the new generation microlights that are taking the aviation world by storm.

As to whether the new microlights are better, Rob Holmes, marketing manager at Into the Blue said : The new Ikarus type microlights have a closed cockpit and side by side seating, so its a lot more comfortable for the passenger. However, we do also have a lot of customers who are looking for those authentic microlight flights where they are exposed to the elements in the open cockpit and the split is about half and half amongst or clients.

As with all flying activities, microlight flights are subject to weather conditions, but many schools operate microlighting year round and offer anyone from the age of 14 the chance to go up in a microlight and have a go at flying it.

by: Kerry Roberts

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