BMAA Microlight Open Series - Have fun and gain flying skills

On this page you’ll find information about the BMAA Microlight Open Series, what it is, what it involves, and how you can join in. 

What is the Open Series?

The Open Series is a series of flying events held each year at different locations around the country.

They are open to everyone to join no matter what they fly and whether they are a newly qualified pilot, an experienced veteran, or even an instructor wanting to learn new skills.

Each event typically starts on a Friday afternoon/evening with participants joining when they can get there, runs through Saturday, and finishes around Sunday lunchtime to give plenty of time to fly back home.  If you can’t attend for the whole time period, no problem, join in when you can, and do what events or parts of an event you can.

Each event is different but will consist of a number of different flying activities such as:

-       Navigating along a route and spotting photos

-       Flying an accurate circle

-       Landing in a marked (short field) area

-       Pre-declaring a ground speed and then flying a route at that declared speed

These are not daunting events for elite pilots, the aim is to have fun flying and become a better pilot by gaining new skills.  There will be plenty of pilots there who’ve tried these before who can give you coaching help, hints and tips, and there are aids such as using a moving map if you’re not comfortable flying without one.

For dates and locations for the events, and to sign up, please see the 2026 events page.

How much does it cost to take part?

Events are held at locations up and down the country throughout the April to September best flying season, each event is organised by a small team of volunteers who make sure everything runs smoothly and safely, organise food and refreshments for the weekend, and of course run back and forth to fuel stations to keep everyone topped up as they require.

There is a small event fee for each event to cover the airfield costs such as landing fees and camping facilities,  and the only addition is whatever you spend on meals and fuel whilst at the event.

Typical costs for a weekend are a £15 entry fee and maybe a further £20 to £25 for all your breakfast, lunches and evening meals.

Is it a competition?

Yes and No.

Put a bunch of pilots together with some flying tasks to do and there is going to be a competitive side to the event, pilots naturally want to fly the best they can and not get lost when navigating!

But more important is the fun aspect of the weekend, un-complicated flying tasks that everyone is able to fly and enjoy, and learn and develop your piloting skills.

Everyone's expectations and skills are different and so the tasks reflect that, from someone having a go for the first time, to the more seasoned competitors of old.  It's entirely up to you as to what tasks you take part in and what elements, if any, you would like to bolt on to each task and how much challenge you'd like to undertake.  There is no pressure to ‘compete’, you will be able to fly safely and within your own comfort and skill limits.

This YouTube video gives an idea of what it can be like to plan a simple navigation task, but it's up to you how you approach each task, and there will be plenty of people around to help you.

How do I get started?

First, register for an event, or even better for several events that you'd like to attend and simply go along.  That way you’ll be informed about any updates to the event (weather, logistics, etc) and the organisers will know how many to cater for.

Remember you can do as much or as little as you wish at each event, the choice is yours. It is also worth contacting the event organiser directly if you have any questions. If you know anyone in your flying club or at your airfield that has taken part, talk to them. Then just turn up and have FUN!

You don’t even have to fly the tasks to join in, there is always a demand for people to help run each event which is a good way of seeing what’s involved.  Again, contact the event organiser if you can lend a hand for the weekend.

For the latest news and updates on the Open Series, please see our Facebook group

What about beyond the Open Series?

If you take part in an event or two, find you like it, there’s plenty of opportunity to fly more and enjoy more at events beyond the Open Series.

In previous years we’ve had similar open events with our French neighbours, a series of ‘Franglais Friendlies’, and in 2026 there are UK pilots that are planning on going to open events in Poland and the Czech Republic - so if you fancy a foreign trip, even if it's just to go for the experience, do let us know.

In 2024 the UK hosted the World Microlight Championships at Deenethorpe in Northamptonshire which was attended by pilots from 12 countries. We won a number of medals including the Team Gold medal. A number of people in our team had taken part in the Open Series events and wanted to experience the fun and camaraderie of an international competition. If this is something that does interest you then make it known to each event organiser and they will help you tailor your tasks to add in the elements you would typically see at an international event and gain that knowledge and skill level required.

You can get a taste of a World Championship from our WMC2025 Facebook page which was held in Chambley, France. Team GB came 4th overall.