microlight information *newbie*

misterdarkness

Always had ambition to get into the skies but thought it would be very very unaffordable until a friend pointed me in the direction of microlights

hobby i would love to take up in a year when i have the cash. but i do need some info if someone would be so good as to entertain me on this.

At a glance ive seen that they are very affordable to buy. Two types i have seen online are the fixed wing like small plane and the others that look like a kite i understand that 30hrs training are required and that can be costly but worth it i think but that i want to get idea of is prices of servicing them. on some sites ive seen people talk about engine rebuilds after very low time in air such as 40 hrs on one post and i'm just wondering how often do they need this or servicing ?? also storage costs if its kept at airfield.

Also on an irish information site i saw that must be not flown over populated areas well and good but another said land must always be kept in site. so no chance of flying over the irish sea then??

Like i said this is just thought in my mind at the moment but something i would love to take up any info would be appreciated

Merch

NMAI.ie

I think there is an association in the North too. edit same association

asdfg!

Well lots of microlighters have flown over and back to the Britain so crossing the Irish sea is obviously possible. In fact in my experience you're never really out of sight of land over the Irish sea and there are a number narrow crossing points anyway. But the idea of flying across in a weight shift kite seems rather intrepid to me.

The NMAI is a good starting point. But also look at visiting one or other of the fly ins that happen around the country. There is always few microlights visiting and they are always happy to chat.

The fly in Ireland website has a list of these events as does the magazine and the forum there will provide contacts. If it's still up, as it seems to down a lot lately.

smurfjed

Weight shift micro lights are great fun, our rules for flying them were easy, always takeoff and land at the same place, not allowed fly above 500 feet, night flying was permitted. I have about 100 hours flying them, but I have to admit that I didn't have the cahones to fly them at night

Smurfjed

Merch

smurfjed wrote: »

Weight shift micro lights are great fun, our rules for flying them were easy, always takeoff and land at the same place, not allowed fly above 500 feet, night flying was permitted. I have about 100 hours flying them, but I have to admit that I didn't have the cahones to fly them at night

Smurfjed

Sounds pretty cool
Love to try it
Like the idea of seat of my pants flying

Id like to try weight shift, non weight shift (is that ultralight in IAA/JAA terminology? or is that all microlights?)
and rotor (not sure now what the most official name is, or if different official names in different regions, autogyro, gyrocopter, or something else? whirlgig).

Unfortunately the finances cant take it, so maybe I might see if there s a come and try to go up in a flight for a few quid at a fly in sometime.

I'll check out the fly in Ireland website.
I saw some people from Kernan aviation at a show once a few years ago and was determined to go and have a crack but the finances havent improved since.
I have to say I like the look of their microlights (not weight shift) like a minature aeroplane.

Stovepipe

First, don't focus on money from the outset as it mentally limits you. Focus on getting your arse into a microlight and getting off the ground. Go to Limetree Airfield near Portarlington at the weekend and talk to the many microlight owners you will meet there. They will give you real-world operating and training costs for micros, which will give you a proper head-start into getting involved. If you ask nicely, someone may even bring you up on a short local flight. You might hate it, you might love it. It's not for everyone but it's worth a shot.

regards
Stovepipe

smurfjed

Id like to try weight shift, non weight shift (is that ultralight in IAA/JAA terminology? or is that all microlights?)

I have no idea about the difference, I went to South Africa thinking that I was going to fly an enclosed airplane ultralight thingie. Turned out that all that was available was a weight shift... So I had a choice, learn to fly that or go home I soloed it in 5 hours, got the license in 10, only exam that they forced me to do was the radio!!! And the hardest medical that I have ever done!

Flying them was a total joy..... You really need to try it at least once.

Smurfjed

Merch

Stovepipe wrote: »

First, don't focus on money from the outset as it mentally limits you. Focus on getting your arse into a microlight and getting off the ground. Go to Limetree Airfield near Portarlington at the weekend and talk to the many microlight owners you will meet there. They will give you real-world operating and training costs for micros, which will give you a proper head-start into getting involved. If you ask nicely, someone may even bring you up on a short local flight. You might hate it, you might love it. It's not for everyone but it's worth a shot.

regards
Stovepipe

Hey, I appreciate the sentiment, I get where you're coming from
I just dont got the cash, literally it doesnt exist
Ive been up in a few light aircraft types, open cockpits on a few, Im sure Id enjoy it, one of the things I wouldn't be keen on is a balloon.
I was really just posting the nmai as a link for the OP, as I saw them a few years ago at an event and swore Id do a flight as I liked the look of what I could see at the event and from talking to them it seemed good, unfortunately Id have to be pulling the money out of thin air, anyway I wont go on about that as it will just seem like I am poor mouthing

Its either the lotto or put it all on black for me , the latter might be the better option, i am not breaking even on the lotto and i dont have a clue about gambling.

At best, Id try put something away for a once off jolly sometime.

i might drop down there sometime just to have a look if there is some event on

Stovepipe

Hi all
I've flown both types of microlight and they are great fun and some can be had second hand for very small money and can be kept and used for a few tenners a week. Anyone considering them should head to Limetree, especially as it's a central location and they are very welcoming.

regards
Stovepipe

Merch

Stovepipe wrote: »

Hi all
I've flown both types of microlight and they are great fun and some can be had second hand for very small money and can be kept and used for a few tenners a week. Anyone considering them should head to Limetree, especially as it's a central location and they are very welcoming.

regards
Stovepipe

Do they come in daesul? better mpg

thats a serious question, I havent looked in a while, but I did read going back a few years diesels were being considered/introduced for GA somewhere?
I dont know if they use them or are any small enough for microlights?

smurfjed

I dont know if they use them

Diamond aircraft were originally equipped with diesel engines, the Thielert Centurion 1.7 and 2.0. There were a lot of problems associated with these engines and the lack of spare parts, so now the aircraft are equipped with Diamond's 3rd Generation Austro Turbo Diesel Engine. The fuel burn figures are quite interesting , it burns only 3.2 gallons per hour in loiter or 8 gallons per hour at maximum continuous power (92%). It is also available with optional "on top" exhaust mufflers that reduce noise levels to below 59 decibels at 500 feet.

I don't know if anyone ever built a diesel engine small enough for a mircolight.

smurfjed

misterdarkness

Well guys I visited Newcastle airfield I'm sold on it .

The cost or training up is about 5k a reliable good weightshift is about 6k.

Cost of service is relatively cheap.

Costly part is storage 300pm I'll get lessons end of year id rather do them altogether instead of one a month. I think value wise affordable lets say 11k will get you trained and ready to fly. The mpg depending on engine is about 12-15 euro ph in unleaded.

The only sore side is the sstoreage cost so I may see if I can go halves with someone but I think having your own is best option.

I got run down of no fly zones around and dont think there is hight limit I did not ask but I know these weighshifts can hit 10, 000ft it can go higher but we cant still id probably not have the balls to go that high unless i had . Ive a petrifying fear of hights bur not in planes or helicopters just laders and cliffs

Question can I store it outside if i buy the covers for it?? Just ive a perfect cut flat empty field beside my house? Just thought

Or....... im curious if i get lessons buy the machine store at airfield join the club membership. Is there any reasons one could not be commerical about it register for vat and take people on tours getting ahead of myself but just curious. If it would cover running and storage cost's Why not or is that looked down on ?? After all once insurance is paid why not

lomb

Why not consider a fixed wing ppl here or in the North? Costs only a little more and you can bring you and your friends up in a 'real' plane, something like a Piper Cherokee! The microlight add on is then very little and your accomplishment is much more.
I think the main thing Ive read with weightshift microlights is to never stall one and/or drop the nose sharply if you stall as the microlight can enter a tumble which is unrecoverable due to the lack of a tail. Also steer clear of turbulence /any kind of aerobatics for the same reason. But the upside is very cheap aviation and great safe fun if respected.

Merch

misterdarkness wrote: »

Well guys I visited Newcastle airfield I'm sold on it .

Question can I store it outside if i buy the covers for it?? Just ive a perfect cut flat empty field beside my house? Just thought

Or....... im curious if i get lessons buy the machine store at airfield join the club membership. Is there any reasons one could not be commerical about it register for vat and take people on tours getting ahead of myself but just curious. If it would cover running and storage cost's Why not or is that looked down on ?? After all once insurance is paid why not

Where's that Newcastle? where's the storage?
At that cost you mention, if you have a space, you might be able to get buy a metal shed/garage, put it on a slab of concrete, bolted down and you have a weather proof structure to store and work in for anything, assuming the plot belongs to you or maybe a close family member.

I think that might come under a temporary structure, so probably wouldnt need planning if its under a certain size. No ongoing costs after the initial cost. It could also be deconstructed and moved? slab could be dug up and disposed of.

I wouldn't imagine covers would protect that kind of craft in all weathers out in the open for very long and certainly not as well, thats my opinion, Im sure it's possible but I wouldnt think its preferable, also security, damage from animals or people ( the latter both accidental/intentional) which could be dangerous if you were unaware of something happening.

misterdarkness

lomb wrote: »

Why not consider a fixed wing ppl here or in the North? Costs only a little more and you can bring you and your friends up in a 'real' plane, something like a Piper Cherokee! The microlight add on is then very little and your accomplishment is much more.
I think the main thing Ive read with weightshift microlights is to never stall one and/or drop the nose sharply if you stall as the microlight can enter a tumble which is unrecoverable due to the lack of a tail. Also steer clear of turbulence /any kind of aerobatics for the same reason. But the upside is very cheap aviation and great safe fun if respected.

Well to be honest three axis or flex wing requires difference training which ill do but for me I want that slow glidee feeling I want something I can fly across the country put down in a field and take off again.

Part of training is stall recovery so there is lesson where instructor purposely stalls it by design if you take hand off controls it should correct itself. To spin a delta wing you would want to be pulling extreme manoeuvres in extreme conditions. Also flexwing can take passenger. Im starting with flexwing and will work up to fixed wing

misterdarkness

Merch wrote: »

Where's that Newcastle? where's the storage?
At that cost you mention, if you have a space, you might be able to get buy a metal shed/garage, put it on a slab of concrete, bolted down and you have a weather proof structure to store and work in for anything, assuming the plot belongs to you or maybe a close family member.

I think that might come under a temporary structure, so probably wouldnt need planning if its under a certain size. No ongoing costs after the initial cost. It could also be deconstructed and moved? slab could be dug up and disposed of.

I wouldn't imagine covers would protect that kind of craft in all weathers out in the open for very long and certainly not as well, thats my opinion, Im sure it's possible but I wouldnt think its preferable, also security, damage from animals or people ( the latter both accidental/intentional) which could be dangerous if you were unaware of something happening.

Newcastle aerodrome co wicklow.

Buildong a shed might me difficult the sheer span of wings

Oh on average whats the average take off distance needed and same for landing ?

Stovepipe

Hi there,
If you have land available, then you are not tied to regular airfields. A folded flexwing takes up very little space but is a pain to rig, so they tend to stay fully rigged and they take up a lot of room. There is cheaper hangarage than 300/month, depending on the airfield. Join the NMAI and get your medical before you spend a cent on lessons. Go and visit Limetree as it is the nearest thing to a central microlight airfield in all of the South. For training, try Raphael O'Carroll in Tandragee, NI.

regards
Stovepipe

Merch

misterdarkness wrote: »

Newcastle aerodrome co wicklow.

Buildung a shed might me difficult the sheer span of wings

Oh on average whats the average take off distance needed and same for landing ?

I dont have practical experience of microlights so for t/o landings, Id be ?? depends on the craft and its operating characteristics, how many people are in it, and local conditions at the time, Id say. Im sure these things come with a manual, with some details,someone with experience will be able to tell you what distance most types would typically t/o and land in.
Ive flown in a number of types of light aircraft as a pax and some other experience with aircraft, but not in command. The lightest thing I have been in is a glider, I dont think I have even been up close to a microlight.
Some Microlights can be disassembled, presumably for storage, transport. I'd hazard a guess the non flexwings (fixed/rigid?) can be disassembled too for the same reason, or at least some of them.

If you have a field, maybe you can take off from there? (after training) I dont know what the restrictions on this are regarding your location ie if you're beside the fence of Dublin airport or regulatory requirements.

Stovepipe

Hi there,
Storage: microlights tend to take up as much space as a regular general aviation aircraft, such as a Cessna, because they tend to have large wingspans/wing area or have large wings that are awkward to handle such as flexwing microlights. They have to be kept indoors because of the effects of sunlight, wind and rain on Dacron wing skins. They are often stored in small home made sheds or polytunnels or lean-tos. With regard to take-off and landing distances, you would need to consider at least 250 metres of flat, level land, as a minimum. Takeoff and landing performance is affected by temperature, weight of crew, weight of fuel and baggage, condition of runway, windspeed, and slope of land. They are not 4x4s, despite what some may think and will suffer damage from unsealed runways. like I said, get onto the NMAI and get the info from the experts.

regards
Stovepipe

misterdarkness

Hi there,
Storage: microlights tend to take up as much space as a regular general aviation aircraft, such as a Cessna, because they tend to have large wingspans/wing area or have large wings that are awkward to handle such as flexwing microlights. They have to be kept indoors because of the effects of sunlight, wind and rain on Dacron wing skins. They are often stmored in small home made sheds or polytunnels or lean-tos. With regard to take-off and landing distances, you would need to consider at least 250 metres of flat, level land, as a minimum. Takeoff and landing performance is affected by temperature, weight of crew, weight of fuel and baggage, condition of runway, windspeed, and slope of land. They are not 4x4s, despite what some may think and will suffer damage from unsealed runways. like I said, get onto the NMAI and get the info from the experts.

regards
Stovepipe

Well thats the intention as soon as i can spare the cash im doing this.

But one more curious question. Flexwing go on average 50mph so today for example sitting on beach perfect sky then gew minutes later very fast gusts of wind came out of nowhere soo if you have a headwind of 50mph does this mean your stationary in sky

Stovepipe

hi there
If, for example, you are flying into a headwind of 10 knots, while you are flying at 50 kts, then your speed over the ground will be 40 knots. If you have a tailwind of 10 knots, your speed over the ground will be 60 knots, while your airspeed indicator will continue to read 50 knots. Most of the basic flexwings or fixed wing micros will have a 52 hp Rotax, a cruise of 50-60 knots, a fuel capacity of about 30 litres and a fuel burn of about 10 lts/hour and can be run for about 50-70 euros/hr in direct operating costs. You do your own maintenance under the supervision of an Inspector and a Permit to Fly inspection once a year/every three years.

regards
Stovepipe