Exactly What Is A Microlight?
THE TYPES
There are three main types of microlight;
- ParaTrikes (Powered Parachutes) have a ram-air or parafoil canopy below which a suspended wheeled power unit carries the pilot and passenger.
- Flexwing (Weight-shift) type which consists of a delta wing similar to a hang glider with a 'trike' unit suspended underneath it
- 3-Axis (or Fixed-wing) type, which many consider to be a conventional aeroplane;
CURRENT UK DEFINITION/S
The legal definition of a Microlight recognised around the world is more detailed:
19th August 2021 - Air Navigation Order Update (600kg - LIGHT SPORT MICROLIGHTS)
A UK Microlight Aeroplane is one designed to carry not more than two persons which has a Maximum Total Weight Authorised (MTWA) not exceeding:
- 600 kg for a single seat and two seat landplane (Permit to Fly).
- 650 kg for a single seat and two seat amphibian or floatplane (Permit to Fly).
- Stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 45 knots (Calibrated Airspeed).
- 300 kg for a single seat landplane (Single Seat DeRegulated -SSDR).
- 315 kg for a single seat landplane equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system
- 330 kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane
- 390 kg for an amateur built single seat landplane for which a UK Permit to Fly or Certificate of Airworthiness was in force prior to 1 January 2003
- 450 kg for a two seat landplane
- 472.5 kg for a two-seat landplane equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system
- 495 kg for a two seat amphibian or floatplane
- Stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 knots (Calibrated Airspeed).
Whatever their size or shape all Microlights are designed to be fun to fly and inexpensive to operate.
Whatever their size or shape all microlights are designed to be fun to fly and inexpensive to operate!
Want to know more about Paratrikes?
CLICK HERE
Want to know more about Flexwings?
CLICK HERE
Want to know more about 3-Axis?
CLICK HERE
2021 - A NEW HORIZON
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed that in 2021, the two-seat Microlight definition will be expanded, the MTWA will increase to 600kg & the stall speed to 45 knots. These new, heavier types are known as Light Sport Microlights (LSM).
Read more about this exciting development.
