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The legal definition of a microlight
has recently been changed.
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A microlight aircraft is now defined
as a two-seater aircraft with a Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) not exceeding
450kg, and single seaters with an MTOW not exceeding 300kg. The wing loading
must not exceed 25kg/m2, unless the stall or minimum flying speed is not
above 35kt. There is no fuel limit.
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What this means is that microlights
are very light aircraft, known as ‘ultralights’ on the continent.
They have to be manufactured to a rigorous standard laid down by the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) known as BCAR Section S.
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Microlights may be conventional
looking 3-axis aircraft, flexwings, powered paragliders or powered
hang-gliders.
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Flexwing microlights, for example,
typically cruise at speeds of 50-60 mph, having a range in excess of 200
miles. They can achieve top speeds of 75-85 mph. New flexwing microlights
cost from about £8,000 upwards, second hand can be bought from around
£2,500, depending on age and performance.
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