MICROLIGHT FLYING
MODEL AIRCRAFT FLYING
MICROLIGHT FLYING
Background
Microlights aircraft make affordable aviation available to all.
Whether you are 17 or 70+, male or female, able bodied or disabled, microlights
can be the way to take to the air as a pilot in command of your own aircraft.
The thrill of flight in a small aircraft is incredible.
Brief History
Microlight aircraft trace their origins back to the late 1970's when hang
glider pilots took the seemingly logical step of fitting small engines
to their craft. Today's microlight aircraft are faster, safer,
more comfortable and certainly easier to fly than ever before.
Microlights have now flown right around the world and soared to over 25,000
feet! Today microlights regularly fly 200 mile plus cross
country flights in less than 3 hours on 25 litres of petrol.
Facilities and Equipment Required
To fly a microlight you will have to train for a microlight private pilot's
licence with a qualified Flying Instructor. You will then
need to buy your own or a share in a microlight aircraft.
This can be either a Flexwing, based on the hang-glider design, or a three-axis
machine similar to a conventional light aircraft. Microlights
can take off and land in any level field provided that landowner's permission
had been obtained. They can be stored in a hangar or folded
up and taken home on a trailer to your garage. While new aircraft
are relatively expensive, about the cost of a family car, there are many
second hand machines at very affordable prices, or you can share one.
Benefits of Participating
Microlight flying brings together people of all backgrounds who are all
united in their love of flying. It enhances self-confidence,
self-reliance and self-discipline. It also allows the pilot a privileged
and often spectacular view of the planet that very few others can share.
Variations
There are local, national and international competitions, you can go touring
on your own or with a friend, taking camping gear for overnight stays,
and attend club social events and "fly ins" in your own country or abroad.
Or you may just wish to take advantage of good weather and fly for the
sheer fun and pleasure it brings.
Contact Details
British Microlight Aircraft Association
The Bullring
Deddington
Banbury
OX15 0TT
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MODEL AIRCRAFT FLYING
Background
Model aircraft flying is the largest of all air sports and is enjoyed
by over 29,000 people in the UK aged between 8 and 80 years with widely
varying abilities.
History
Model aircraft date back to when man first thought of flight with the
finest early examples being designed and built by Leonardo da Vinci in
the 15th century. Since then, model flying has not only been used to prove
concepts for full size aviation but has developed into a popular and thriving
air sport that is now enjoyed by thousands across the world.
Facilities and Equipment Required
There are many types of model aircraft which broadly fall into three categories:
free flight which provides the cheapest options, control line, and radio
control which is the most expensive. The simplest type of model, the free
flight hand launched glider, can be built for only a few pounds using
a basic craft knife, sandpaper and PVA glue. You will then have a model
aircraft to provide you with hours of enjoyment and exercise either in
the gymnasium or on the sports field. Kits are readily available to meet
any newcomers’ needs before progressing to building from plans or designing
your own aircraft.
There are over 630 clubs which provide flying sites and can assist you
with getting started in model flying. Many of the clubs have
their own radio controlled training aircraft to teach you to fly in accordance
with the national training scheme, although you would be expected to provide
your own equipment in the longer term.
Benefits of Participating
Model flying develops physical and mental co-ordination, enhances team
skills and provides an energetic activity. Competition is encouraged from
club level through to international standard, although many fly just for
the thrill and pleasure of experiencing flight.
Should you want to find out more about the unusual and exciting sport
of model aircraft flying then contact:
Contact Details
The British Model Flying Association
Chacksfield House
31 St Andrew's Road
Leicester
LE2 8RE
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