Flex Wing Microlighting

Exhilarating but safe microlight flying is an experience you wont forget in a hurry!
From simple beginnings the "flex-wing" microlight has developed into a state-of-the-art flying machine capable of flying long distances at cruising speeds of 100mph or more. High tech composite materials and the latest design developments have created stunning aircraft, as James Bond as you could wish for! The latest Quik-R from P&M even has folding wings!

Where do we fly?
Our aerial playground takes in views of the Thames Estuary and greenbelt Essex. On a clear day, the views of the London skyline in the distance are simply breathtaking. Our immediate flying route is along the river and over the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, out towards the mouth of the estuary, and if there is enough time, along the Essex coastline. On Saturday afternoons, City Airport closes, and we are allowed to enter the airspace east of London. A Dome Discovery lesson will involve flying up the river as far as the Millenium Dome, with fantastic views of Greenwich, Docklands and beyond to the City.

The two types of microlight

At Learn to Fly we use 'flex-wing', or 'weight shift' microlights, which are basically a beefy hang glider wing with a trike unit suspended underneath. First seen in the early 80s, flex wings have evolved into superb flying machines. These days they are incredibly well designed and aesthetically packaged, and combined with the massive increase in safety brought about by the introduction of the Rotax 912 giving 4 stroke engine reliability, a flex wing is an extraordinary craft to fly. They offer the best visibility of just about any powered aircraft you can think of! The second type of microlight is commonly called a 3-axis microlight in the UK, often called an Ultralight in many other countries. The controls are the same as with conventional planes, where the pilot controls direction through the use of ailerons and rudder, and airspeed with the elevator. The enclosed space is far warmer than an open cockpit and tends to suit the more 'GA-orientated' pilot, and is certainly less strenuous than weight shift microlighting. Try both types first before you embark on a flying course if you are unsure about the differences. Weight restrictions apply - sorry, you have to be under 16 stone.

So... how do flex wing microlights work?

The cockpit is open to the elements, which makes flying incredibly exciting and exhilarating, and it affords you an amazing all round view. The Flex-Wing is controlled in a similar way to a hang glider, using weight shift - the pilot maneuvers the craft around its hang point, i.e where the wing is joined to the trike unit. As the pilot moves the control bar the centre of gravity is displaced, giving the pilot complete control of the direction and airspeed of his machine. Flying height is controlled by the application of Power or Thrust. So simply put airspeed is controlled using the bar and power controls the height you fly at. Cruising speed on a typical modern microlight ranges between 55mph and around 7080mph. The latest Quiks are reputed to exceed 100mph in straight and level flight! "Physically", flying is not that difficult - technique is more important than strength. The pilot holds onto a bar, in front of him at around chest height, and by moving it he shifts the weight of the whole aircraft. Only a small amount of displacement is required to make quite an impact! The first instinct is to tense up and grip the bar, however you won't get a feel for flying by doing this. A flex wing flies at something called Hands Off Trim, and that means what it says. You don't need to be holding on for these things to fly straight and level! The wings are called flex wings as they literally flex in flight, and can dump loading very efficiently making them exceptionally strong and robust.

Learn to Fly Damyns Hall Airfield Upminster RM14 2TN Bookings/Enquiries: E: Flywithus@learn-to-fly.co.uk T: 020 300 49 100 W: www.learn-to-fly.co.uk

Learning to Fly
Our students are our priority, and our aim is to train you towards a high level of competence and airmanship, in a time frame that suits you, in an open and friendly environment.
What we offer
full training to CAA approved syllabus to attain National Private Pilot's License (Microlight) Full time instructor with 21 years of experience and 3000+ hours on a range of different aircraft Ground School Six day per week flying, including Saturdays and Sundays Flying courses and booking times to suit your schedule including evenings and weekends, and intensive courses. Advice and support on buying machines and equipment 10% off when you book a course of 5 hours -

How long does it take to get the license? How long you take will depend on a number of factors: How much time you can devote to flying Motivation Natural Aptitude Age Weather

If you are able to fly 3 or more times per week, then we would hope to get you to NPPL within 4 months. If you can only fly on weekends, then it may take a little longer. We would recommend starting in the spring so that you get the best out of the weather and the longer days (we fly until sunset weather permitting so can offer evening lessons in the high summer)

Buying your own machine

We would recommend you get your license before purchasing an aircraft, as the experience gained during your training will put you in a much better position to make the right decision. Old machines can be bought for as little as 2000, but be warned - you will get what you pay for! A second hand Quantum with a two stroke engine will cost around 7-8k, or a four stroke equivalent 12-13k. A new flex-wing will cost from 24k. Learn-to-Fly is an approved P&M agent, so we can supply one at a favourable price.

Minimum requirements for NPPL (microlight):

Minimum total hours: 25, to include 10 solo hours and two qualifying cross country solo flights Ground Exams, including Meteorology, Air Law, Navigation, Human Performance & Limitations, Airplane Technical.

The cost of learning:

To train for NPPL, you should anticipate a cost of around 3000 to cover your flying lessons, flight training, ground school, club membership and exams.

Our aircraft
We train on some of the latest machines - the Pegasus Quik and Quantum 912 microlights. These aircraft are the leading flex-wing microlights in the world and are manufactured by P&M, the UK's predominant microlight manufacturer. All microlights produced in the UK have to meet strict standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority, and monitored by the British Microlight Aircraft Association. The standards set by the UK in microlighting are some of the highest in the world, so you can be sure that you are flying in completely airworthy machines.

Learn to Fly Damyns Hall Airfield Upminster RM14 2TN Bookings/Enquiries: E: Flywithus@learn-to-fly.co.uk T: 020 300 49 100 W: www.learn-to-fly.co.uk

Converting to other types of aircraft

It is possible to do a conversion course to other types of microlight/light aircraft once you have achieved your NPPL. However, it makes sense to start on the aircraft you are planning to fly at the end of your course. If you are not sure, its worth taking a trial flight in each before you decide.