Microlight Flying School - Rise Above the Clouds

FAQ

  1. What are the Medical Requirements?

    A declaration of fitness form must be countersigned by your G.P. and cannot be issued to anyone suffering from :- Epilepsy, Fits, Severe head injury, Recurrent fainting, Giddiness or Blackouts, High blood pressure, Coronary artery disease, any Psychiatric disorder or any other disorder liable to cause incapacitation. Once issued it is valid until the age of 50 years old. After that date it must be renewed every 5 years until the age of 65. There after it is done on a yearly basis. Medicals are far less onerous than those required to fly General Aviation aircraft.

  2. Are they safe?

    In a word yes! All Microlight training aircraft have to be built by civil aviation authority (CAA) approved companies to rigorous airworthiness standards. Only safety checked and released materials can be used in their construction.

    Due to their light weight and low minimum speeds microlight aircraft have very good forgiving characteristics. Recent official statistics from the CAA showed that microlight aircraft to be the safest form of private aviation in the UK in terms of serious accidents divided into hours flown.
    However any aircraft is only as safe as the pilot who flies it, therefore thorough training and a high degree of common sense are both vital in the making of a safe pilot.

    Flying is like the rest of life, it contains hazards.

    At Purple Aviation we teach you how to recognize and deal with these hazards, and thus keep you out of danger.
    You can make flying as safe or as dangerous as you choose.

    On a scale of danger from 1 to 10 where playing tiddlywinks is rated 1 and smoking is rated 10, I would rate microlight flying at about 5 and driving motorcars about 6.
    Flying (like driving) is not of itself inherently dangerous but can be very unforgiving of carelessness.

  3. Can I have a short go to see if I like it?

    We offer a thirty minute or a one hour trial lesson to give you a taste of this sport. If you decide to continue this time will count towards the licence.

  4. Is it possible to fly in winter?

    Some of the best flying is during the winter! It is of course colder, but providing you wear sensible clothing the temperature is not a problem.

  5. Is there a minimum age?

    For training to count towards a licence the minimum age is 14. Solo flights can be made from age 16, and the minimum age to hold a licence is 17

  6. Is there a weight limit?

    This depends a little on aircraft type, but in general the maximum body weight is 90 Kg (14.5 stones). We may be able to accommodate heavier people - call us for details.

  7. Does the weather affect training?

    Unfortunately yes, fair weather is required especially during training where you will want to be concentrating on learning to control the aeroplane before having to deal with the techniques required for different types of weather. In general, the conditions required for training are:-

    • Wind speed no more than 15 to 20 mph
    • Visibility greater than 5 Km in flight
    • Cloud base above 1000 feet
    • Preferably no rain, though it is quite possible to fly in light rain it is a very miserable experience in an open cockpit

    In short, the weather required for flight to be enjoyable and worthwhile for training is about the same as you would want for an enjoyable walk in the countryside.

  8. When are we open?

    Purple Aviation operates seven days a week all year round. Lessons can be taken on an individual basis or as a full time course or part course. Accommodation is available nearby at a choice of B&B's, caravan or camping.