What's the difference between a flex wing and a fixed wing microlight?

The fuselage of a flex wing microlight looks like a trike (and to look at it, you'd think it'd never get off the ground!) with a hang glider-style horizontal bar and the huge wingspan of the foldable wing above your head. A fixed-wing microlight has a fully enclosed cockpit and the pilot uses the rudder, ailerons and elevator to control pitch, yaw and roll using a control stick.

Do fixed wing microlights look like planes?

They look just like your typical light aircraft (the sort of ones you go in on a trial flying lesson), with the difference being they are much lighter.

How is an aircraft classed as a microlight?

To be a microlight, the aircraft (if it's a two seater) has to be no more than 450kg.

Where's the engine on a flex wing microlight?

The engine is behind the pilot on your typical flex wing microlight like the Quik from P&M aviation. That means you get incredible all-round vision in an open-cockpit microlight, as there's no engine or propellor blade to get in the way. On a fixed wing, the engine is in front of you, with the propellor on the nose of the plane.

Where will I be sitting in the microlight?

If you go on a flex-wing microlight experience you will be up front, sitting in front of your instructor in a tandem configuration. In the fixed-wing closed cockpit microlights, the seating is side-by-side, so you'll be sitting next to your instructor.

Will my microlight experience actually be a lesson?

Yes! All microlight flights are offered as trial lessons. You can be as hands-on as you like, or if you prefer, sit back and enjoy the views. It's your flight time, so it's up to you, but most people do like to have at least a little go at the controls!.

Are there any restrictions for microlight flights?

Each operator has its own rules, but in general, you need to be at least 14 years old, maximum height of 6ft and maximum weight is 15 stone. Please see each individual page under the 'Suitable for' tab for full details, or get in touch with us by email, chat or 01959 578100.

Can I talk to the instructor during the flight?

You'll be kitted out with a headset and microphone so you can communicate. This is especially useful in the open cockpit microlights, as you can't hear each other over the wind noise!.

Is it windy and cold up there in a microlight?

There's no doubting it's a unique sensation being high up in the air in an open cockpit. You will certainly feel 'at one' with the elements that's for sure. In a fixed wing microlight, you'll be tucked up nice and snug inside the closed cockpit.

What should I wear to go microlighting?

If you're in a fixed wing microlight, wear comfortable casual clothing. High heels are not recommended, nor are open-toed shoes. For flex wing experiences, you'll also be given a flight suit to wear.

Is microlighting dangerous?

Flying in a microlight is no more or less dangerous than other forms of general aviation. All the aircraft used for these experiences are meticulously maintained and you'll only be taken up by the most experienced of pilot instructors.

How far can a microlight fly?

Back in the day, open cockpit microlights had a range of around 250 miles at best. Modern microlights can fly as far as 1000miles, as they are built with more high-tech material and have become more efficient.

How fast can a microlight fly?

To be a microlight, the aircraft has to have a slow cruising speed of 35knots or less. Having said that, maximum speeds are constantly on the increase, with some of the newest fixed wing models like the Ikarus capable of 150mph. On average, a flex wing can fly between 50 and 80mph.

Will my microlight lesson be cancelled in bad weather?

In essence, yes, but don't worry, the flight operator will reschedule your microlight experience for another suitable date. Microlights need wind speeds of less than 15knots to take off, with no cloud cover or rain.

Do you need a licence to fly a microlight?

If you want to fly a microlight solo yes, you have to have a pilot's licence. For microlighters it's called the National Private Pilot's Licence Microlight rating - or the NPPL(M). For these experiences there is no need for a licence (or for you to be enrolled on a training programme with the school) as your experience is a taster lesson. If you carry on with microlighting lessons, these tasters may count to your flying time log book.

Are your schools members of a microlight association?

Yes. Nearly all are part of the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA). The association promotes microlighting in the UK and is the voice of the sport in this country. All pilot instructors operating these trial lessons are highly experienced pilots with lots of hours of microlight teaching under their belts.

Where can I fly in a microlight experience near me?

As you don't need a huge tarmac runway to take off in a microlight (a small grass air strip will do!) we have lots of small, independent microlight operators around the country who are more than ready to give you your first taste of microlighting, be it in a fixed or flex wing aircraft. Current locations include:. • Bedfordshire • Kent • Lancashire • Somerset • Hertfordshire • Derbyshire • Grimsby • Northumbria • North London • Cambridgeshire • Scotland - Perth • Scotland - Kinross • Scotland - Lanarkshire • Northamptonshire • County Durham • Cornwall • Oxfordshire • Manchester • Lincolnshire • Wiltshire • Essex • Staffordshire

Microlight Flight Experiences & Lessons

Delivery Type	Delivery Time	Price
E Voucher	Instant	Free
Standard Delivery	1st Class Royal Mail Post	£3.95
Weekday Tracked Courier (APC)	Guaranteed next working day before 4pm*	£8.99
Saturday Special Delivery (Royal Mail)	Guaranteed delivery on Saturdays	£14.50

Delivery Type	Details	Cut Off	Delivery Time	Price
Evoucher	Sent straight to your inbox along with a separate email receipt to confirm your order.	None	Instantaneous	Free
Standard Delivery (Royal Mail)	UK Only. Despatched by Royal Mail first class post on the same day. Excludes Weekends & Bank Holidays.	Order by 4pm for same day dispatch	Estimated 2-3 days	£3.95
Weekday Tracked Courier (APC)	Signature required upon receipt. Orders received before 2pm on Fridays will be delivered the following Monday. Excludes Weekends & Bank Holidays. Orders dispatched via APC. Includes online live tracking and 2-hour delivery window which is amendable	Order by 2pm for same day dispatch	Guaranteed next working day before 4pm*	£8.99
Saturday Special Delivery (Royal Mail)	Guaranteed UK Saturday delivery. Excludes Bank Holidays. Signature required upon receipt. Valid for orders received by 4pm on Fridays. Includes online tracking and electronic proof of delivery. If nobody is available when your parcel is delivered and there isn't a safe place to leave the parcel, the delivery driver will leave a calling card with instructions on how to rearrange delivery.	Order by 4pm on Fridays	Saturdays Only	£14.50

Microlighting East Yorkshire

Closed-cockpit microlight flights from Beverley Airfield near ...

Beverley Airfield, near Hull

From £89.00

Microlighting East Yorkshire

Microlighting from Beverley Airfield near Hull
30, 60 & 90-minute flights offered
Fly in a closed-cockpit Ikarus C42
Friendly club established in 1930

Based On 31 Reviews

Microlight Experience

Our best value microlighting lessons available nationwide! We are offering ...

20+ Locations Nationwide

Best Seller From £79.00

Nationwide Microlight Experience

• One voucher valid for many airfields nationwide
• All British Microlight Aircraft Association clubs
• Insulated flying suits available for cold weather
• Fixed & flexwing microlights offered by many clubs

Based On 4 Reviews

Microlighting in Northumbria

Flex-wing flights over stunning Northumbrian coast & countryside for these ...

Athey Moor Airfield, Northumbria

Exclusive to Into the Blue From £99.00

Microlighting in Northumbria

Flex wing microlights at Atheys Moor Airfield
Try the controls or just sightsee as you fly
All itineraries & lessons are tailored to you
30/60 mins flights, or a 3hr landaway adventure

Based On 14 Reviews

Microlighting in Bath

With such beautiful countryside all around, these microlight flights over ...

Brown Shutters Airfield, Somerset

From £59.00

Microlighting in Bath

• Microlight flights from Brown Shutters Airfield
• Fly either a flex or fixed wing microlight
• Take off from this private airstrip near Bath
• Wide range of flight durations available

Based On 16 Reviews

Microlighting Perth

Flex-wing, open-cockpit microlight flying from Scotland's Perth ...

Perth Airport

From £99.00

Microlighting Perth

Fly in flex-wing, open-cockpit microlights
Microlighting at renowned training school in Perth
Cairngorms National Park as your backdrop
Your chance to take control during your lesson

Based On 3 Reviews

Microlights Taunton

Fly with Jim from a grass airstrip on the edge ...

Taunton, Somerset

From £99.00

Microlights Taunton

30, 45 & 60-min microlight flights
Go microlighting around Taunton
Operated by a fixed-wing Icarus C42
Microlight school run by a small & friendly team

Based On 10 Reviews

Microlighting North Kent

Fly over North Kent in a microlight out of Rochester ...

Rochester Airport, North Kent

Buy For £120.00

Microlighting North Kent

• Flying out of Rochester Airport
• Fixed wing microlights
• 30-minute flight duration available

Microlighting in Cambridgeshire from Sutton Meadows Airfield

Based On 15 Reviews

Microlighting Cambridgeshire

Flex wing experiences out of this great airfield near Ely in ...

Sutton Meadows Airfield, Ely

From £95.00

Microlighting Cambridgeshire

30, 45 & 60-mins microlight flights
'Flying Start' landaway option offered
Operated by flex-wing microlights
See Cambridgeshire from the air!

Flyers Choice

Let the recipient choose what to fly & where ...

Locations Nationwide

From £50.00

Flyers Choice

Choose from a wide choice of Flying Experiences
Locations across the UK
Option to top up your voucher on line
FREE premium packaging included worth £4.99

Flex wing microlight flight at Plaistows Airfield in Hertfordshire

Based On 3 Reviews

Microlights Hertfordshire

Microlighting with a world champion pilot at Plaistows Airfield near ...

Plaistows Farm Airfield, St Albans

From £85.00

Microlights Hertfordshire

Flex wing microlighting in Hertfordshire
Fly with a World Champion pilot
A small & friendly microlighting school
Easy access to North London nr M25/M1

Based On 3 Reviews

Microlighting in Hampshire

Flex-wing fun out of Popham Airfield near Winchester / ...

Popham Airfield, near Basingstoke

From £99.00

Microlighting in Hampshire

Microlight lessons from Popham Airfield
Choose a 30, 45 or 60-minute flight
Flying in flex-wing microlights
Stunning scenery as you fly!

Based On 19 Reviews

Microlight Flights Lancashire

Flex & fixed-wing microlighting with coast & lake views in ...

Cockerham, Lancashire

From £80.00

Microlight Flights Lancashire

• Microlight flights from Tarn Farm Lancashire
• Flex & fixed-wing aircraft available
• Opportunity to have a go at the controls
• Explore lovely Lancashire by microlight

Based On 1 Review

Microlights in Staffordshire

Flights out of the privately-owned Fisherwick Airfield near Tamworth in ...

near Lichfield

From £85.00

Microlights in Staffordshire

An owner-operated airstrip near Lichfield/Tamworth
Fly with Mick, Neil & Dave at this friendly club
Relaxed atmosphere, empty skies and great views
Open and closed cockpit microlights available

Based On 9 Reviews

Microlighting Derbyshire

Microlight flights in Derbyshire - where you'll be flying with ...

Darley Moor Airfield, Derbyshire

From £99.00

Microlighting Derbyshire

• Fly with a microlight display pilot
• Flex & fixed wing microlights available
• See famous Derbyshire landmarks from the air
• Head off from Darley Moore Airfield in Ashbourne

Microlighting Flights at Sandtoft Airfield near Doncaster

Based On 4 Reviews

Microlighting Doncaster

Flex & fixed wing closed cockpit flying from Sandtoft Airfield ...

Sandtoft Airfield, near Doncaster

From £55.00

Microlighting Doncaster

Flex & fixed microlighting near Doncaster
Flying out of Sandtoft Airfield
20, 30, 45 & 60-mins lessons available
Good on-site facilities at the airfield

Based On 2 Reviews

Microlighting in Corby

Flex-wing microlight flights from ex-RAF Deenethorpe airfield near ...

Deenethorpe Airfield, Northamptonshire

From £125.00

Microlighting in Corby

• Microlight lessons from Deenethorpe Airfield
• Take off from this private air strip near Corby
• See Northants forest & fens from the air
• Tarmac runways = year round flying!

Based On 8 Reviews

Microlights at Sywell Aerodrome

An historic airfield, an art deco hotel and fully restored ...

Sywell Aerodrome, Northhamptonshire

From £125.00

Microlights at Sywell Aerodrome

• Microlighting from historic Sywell Aerodrome
• UK agent for Sky Ranger & Air Creation microlights
• Fly with CAA approved microlight instructors
• A variety of flight durations available

Based On 2 Reviews

Microlights near Edinburgh

Flex-wing flights over coast & country near ...

East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick

From £119.00

Microlights near Edinburgh

• Microlight flights from East Fortune, East Lothian
• Airport just 20 miles from Edinburgh
• Longest-established microlighting club in Scotland
• National Museum of Flight based on same site

Based On 1 Review

Microlights Peterborough

Join Captain Aggett for a flight in the Ikarus microlight ...

Peterborough Conington Airport

From £119.00

Microlights Peterborough

• Microlighting at Conington Airfield nr Peterborough
• Take to the skies in a light sport aircraft
• This club uses modern C42B Ikarus planes
• Hands-on lessons from the word go!

Based On 24 Reviews

Microlighting Somerset

Go flexwing microlighting Somerset style, with coast, countryside, national parks ...

Westonzoyland Airfield

From £89.00

Microlighting Somerset

• Microlighting at Westonzoyland Airfield in Somerset
• Fly with chief flying instructor Andy Buchan
• Variety of flight durations to choose from
• See coast, National Parks & historical landmarks

Based On 4 Reviews

Microlighting East Anglia

Go microlighting in East Anglia! Based at Beccles Airfield on ...

Beccles Airfield

Buy For £179.00

Microlighting East Anglia

• Microlight flights out of Beccles Airfield
• Choose a flight in a flex or fixed wing microlight
• Fly over the skies of Norfolk & Suffolk
• Plenty of opportunity to take the controls yourself

Based On 3 Reviews

Microlights in Manchester

The sky is your new playground when you go microlighting ...

Barton Aerodrome, Eccles

From £115.00

Microlights in Manchester

• Microlighting lessons from Manchester Barton
• Flights in a flex wing open cockpit microlight
• Fly with Mark a highly experienced pilot adventurer
• Your chance to take control during your lesson

Isle of Wight & Le Touquet Landaway Flights

Go the distance with these light sports landaways! Take off ...

Lewes, East Sussex

From £349.00

Isle of Wight & Le Touquet Landaway Flights

• Landaway flights in light sports aircraft
• Fly to the Isle of Wight or Le Touquet in France
• Time for a snack or lunch before heading back to base
• Amazing views & the chance to take the controls too!

Microlight Flights Berkshire

Fun and affordable microlighting in Berkshire! This small and friendly ...

Membury Airfield, Hungerford

From £89.00

Microlight Flights Berkshire

• Flex & fixed wing microlighting flights
• Operating out of Membury Airfield in Berkshire
• Superb urban & country views as soon as you fly
• A great small and friendly microlight flying club

Based On 2 Reviews

Light Sports Flying Mid-Wales

On these microlight flights in Mid-Wales you'll see how microlights ...

Mid-Wales Airport, Welshpool

From £79.00

Light Sports Flying Mid-Wales

• Light sport aircraft flying out of Mid-Wales Airport
• Fly in these microlights over the Welshpool area
• Choose between 30 or 60-minute flights
• Ikarus and Eurostar microlights in the fleet

Based On 10 Reviews

Light Sports Aircraft Oxfordshire

Learn to fly in Oxford, but make it a veritable ...

Abingdon, Oxfordshire

From £85.00

Light Sports Aircraft Oxfordshire

• Lights sport aircraft flights from Abingdon
• A brilliant range of flight itineraries for lessons
• Stay local, head to France or the Isle of Wight
• Plenty of chance to get hands on with the controls

Based On 11 Reviews

Solent Lights Sports Flights

A warm welcome awaits at Lower Upham airfield from pilots ...

Lower Upham Airfield, Hampshire

From £85.00

Solent Lights Sports Flights

• Trial flying lessons over the Solent and beyond
• Get airborne in an Ikarus C42
• Flight paths take you over some fascinating sights
• Plenty of time to take control and fly the Ikarus

Flying Lessons Wiltshire

Fabulous flying lessons out of Clench Common! Get airborne over ...

Clench Common Airfield, Marlborough

From £95.00

Flying Lessons Wiltshire

• Light sport aircraft flying at Clench Common
• Fly over the North Wessex Downs
• Club uses a fleet of fully-enclosed microlights
• Plenty of hands-on time to fly the Ikarus yourself

Based On 1 Review

Light Sport Flying London

Light sport flying at its best with the Pipistrel Alpha ...

Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Essex

From £199.00

Light Sport Flying London

• Discover the delights of light sport aviation
• Flying out of Damyn's Hall on the edge of Essex
• Take off in Pipistrel's funky Alpha Trainer plane
• Good choice of itineraries offered inc landaways

Based On 2 Reviews

Light Sport Aircraft Lincolnshire

Get ready to soar over Saltby Airfield in a light ...

Saltby Airfield, Grantham

From £99.00

Light Sport Aircraft Lincolnshire

• Light sport aircraft flying near Grantham
• Fly from Saltby Airfield on the Leics/Lincs border
• A full range of lesson durations available
• One month club membership with all vouchers

Based On 5 Reviews

Staffs & Peak District Microlighting

Microlighting over the Peak District & Staffs countryside in fixed ...

Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire

From £85.00

Staffs & Peak District Microlighting

Closed cockpit & flex wing microlighting lessons
An exciting airfield with excellent facilities
Flights tailored to suit your interests
Great routes including the Peak District areas

Based On 7 Reviews

Light Sport Aircraft East Sussex

Fancy flying over Brighton? East Sussex is a glorious part ...

Deanland Airfield, Lewes

From £99.00

Light Sport Aircraft East Sussex

• Fly from ex RAF base Deanland Airfield in Lewes
• School uses Ikarus C42 light sports aircraft
• Trial flights count towards pilot qualification
• Airfield is north east of Brighton

Based On 8 Reviews

Flying Lessons North Devon

Fly over North Devon's coast & country in light sports ...

Eaglescott Airfield, Umberleigh

Buy For £219.00

Flying Lessons North Devon

• Flying at Eaglescott Airfield in Devon
• Fab coast and countryside flight paths
• Learn to fly in unrestricted airspace
• Flights operate spring to autumn

Flying lessons in Light Sports Aircraft out of Popham Airfield

Based On 2 Reviews

Flying Lessons Popham Airfield

Lessons in light sports Ikarus aircraft from lively Popham ...

Popham Airfield, Hampshire

From £175.00

Flying Lessons Popham Airfield

Light sports aircraft flights from Popham
Learn to fly in an sporty Ikarus C42
60-mins lessons & pilot starter packs
Take the controls within minutes of taking off

Based On 2 Reviews

Penkridge Microlights

Open-cockpit microlighting out of Otherton Airfield near Stafford in flex-wing ...

Otherton Airfield, Stafford

From £59.00

Penkridge Microlights

Flex-wing, open-cockpit microlighting
Flying out of Otherton Airfield in Stafford
20, 30 and 60-minute flight durations
See Cannock Chase, Black Mountains & more!

Light Sports Aircraft Flying Perth

Flights in the funky Eurostar light sports plane from Perth ...

Perth Airport, Scone

From £99.00

Light Sports Aircraft Flying Perth

Light sports aircraft flying in Scotland
30, 40 & 60-min flights out of Perth Airport
Your chance to take control & fly
Stunning Scottish scenery to see too!

Based On 7 Reviews

Microlighting Bedfordshire

Fixed & flex-wing microlighting from an airport on the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire ...

Little Gransden Airfield, near St Neots

Buy For £120.00

Microlighting Bedfordshire

• Fixed & flex wing microlighting near St Neots
• Ikarus & Quantum microlights to fly
• 30-minute flight duration
• Hosted by experienced instructor examiner Greg

Based On 1 Review

Flying Lessons Buckinghamshire

Fly light sports planes from Wycombe Air Park in ...

Wycombe Air Park, Marlow

From £99.00

Flying Lessons Buckinghamshire

30, 40 & 60-min flights at Wycombe Air Park
Fly in Ikarus & Eurostar lights sports aircraft
See some amazing Chiltern Hills scenery
Time for you to have a go on the controls

Based On 2 Reviews

Microlights Surrey

Ikarus C42 enclosed cockpit microlighting at Surrey's Blackbushe ...

Blackbushe Airport, Surrey

From £90.00

Microlights Surrey

30 & 60-mins microlights flights in Surrey
Flying out of Blackbushe Airfield
In modern, enclosed cockpit Ikarus C42s
A chance for you to take control!

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Microlights in Bath

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Flyers Choice

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Microlighting in Hampshire

Microlight Flights Lancashire

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Microlight Flights FAQs

What's the difference between a flex wing and a fixed wing microlight?

Do fixed wing microlights look like planes?

How is an aircraft classed as a microlight?

Where's the engine on a flex wing microlight?

Where will I be sitting in the microlight?

Will my microlight experience actually be a lesson?

Are there any restrictions for microlight flights?

Can I talk to the instructor during the flight?

Is it windy and cold up there in a microlight?

What should I wear to go microlighting?

Is microlighting dangerous?

How far can a microlight fly?

How fast can a microlight fly?

Will my microlight lesson be cancelled in bad weather?