How to become a PPL

How to become a PPL

Legally, what is a Microlight?
Modern microlights cover a wide range of machines; everything from the hang glider-like flexwings (aka weightshifts or trikes) to machines which look like, and sometimes outperform, traditional light aircraft.

The UK definition of a microlight is -

"Microlight aeroplane means an aeroplane designed to carry not more than two persons which has:

(a) a maximum total weight authorised not exceeding:

300kg for a single seat landplane

450kg for a two seat landplane

330kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane, or

495kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane

and

(b) either a wing loading at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 25kg per square metre or a stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 knots calibrated airspeed"

What is a Small Light Aeroplane?

The term Small Light Aeroplane was a legal definition used to cover heavier microlights such as the Jabiru. It has now been superseded by the single microlight definition above, so there is no longer officially such a thing as an SLA.

What sorts of licences are there for Microlights?

There are two types. A National Private Pilots Licence (Microlights Unrestricted) is a full licence. With one of these, a pilot may fly anywhere within the regulations. There is also a restricted licence; the lower level of experience required means that you may not carry a passenger and may not fly more than eight miles from the home airfield.   Lower weather limits also apply to restricted licences.

Who administers this law?

In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) administers flying regulations, but part of the responsibility for issuing the NPPL lies with the BMAA for microlight ratings and with a company called NPLG for Single Engine Piston (SEP) and Self-Launched Motor Glider (SLMG) ratings.

Cloudbase offers instruction towards both the Microlight and the SEP ratings.

Click here for the SEP syllabus and here for the Microlight one.

What is needed to get a full licence?

To gain your National Private Pilot's Licence (Microlights Unrestricted) you must complete a minimum of 25 hours training of which ten hours must be solo flying; this includes five hours navigation flying of which three must be solo. There is a General Flying Test (the GFT) to take and some exams for which we provide ground school lectures.

What is needed to get a restricted licence?

You can achieve your restricted licence with 15 hours of training - eight hours dual training and seven hours solo. This allows you to become a pilot quicker (and more cheaply) and to take the restrictions off at a later date. You can choose to skip the restricted licence and go directly for the full version if you wish.

How long does it take to get a licence?

The time it takes to qualify for your licence will depend on how fast you develop the flying skills you'll need. It helps if you fly regularly since that minimises the amount of re-learning you'll have to do at the start of each lesson. The first big milestone will be your first solo flight. After that you'll be building up your hours and your skills, practising more advanced manoeuvres and navigation and preparing for your GFT.

What exams do I have to take?

There are five exams which you need to pass to gain your licence:

Air Law
Navigation
Meteorology
Aeroplanes Technical
Human Factors and Performance

You will also need to take the Radio Telephony exam if you intend to use a radio in flight, which in practice you will need to do.

They may sound daunting, but they are actually quite straightforward. Cloudbase sells the books you'll need and runs evening lectures which cover each of the subjects in detail, after which you can take the exam itself. The test papers consist of multiple-choice questions so there's no essay-writing to do!

What are the medical requirements?

The medical requirements are much more straightforward than those for heavier aircraft. You sign a declaration of fitness on a standard form which Cloudbase can supply and then simply have it countersigned by your own doctor. If you are fit enough to drive, you are probably fit enough to fly. If you have any condition which may make it unsafe for you to fly, you should discuss this with your doctor. If you are still uncertain you can contact a CAA medical examiner.

Can anyone make an income from Microlight flying?

Not under UK law because a Microlight may not be used for commercial gain. They are strictly for hobby use, for example they cannot be used to transport goods or passengers if money changes hands. The exception to this, of course, is where a Qualified Flying Instructor is teaching a student to fly.

Do Microlight hours count towards a Group A PPL?

CAP 53 allows some microlight flying hours to be taken into account if you decide to train for a light aircraft PPL: "Hours flown in a 3 Axis Microlight may be counted towards the requirements for the grant of a PPL(A) group A licence." This concession is limited to 10% of your microlight hours, up to a maximum of 10 hours.

Can Microlights be hired?

Not under UK law. This means that to learn to fly a Microlight students can either; own their own aircraft, own a share in a syndicated aircraft or join a flying club. At Cloudbase Aviation, we use the club to foster an environment where students can learn quickly as well as to share the costs of learning to fly.

What else does the Cloudbase Aviation Club do?

You will find our Microlight Club a particularly active one with over 100 flying members. Fly outs are a regular feature and are listed on the club's web site. Members take turns to suggest venues and to arrange events. Cloudbase Aviation Microlight Club members have flown all around the UK as well as to France, Spain and Ireland in club aircraft.

On the social side, we regularly meet for meals out and take the opportunity to bring our families along. We have had excellent bowling nights, Laser-quest shoot-out nights and go-karting nights! During the summer months our friendly flying club makes for a great day out for you and your family. Our Club B B Q's are not to be missed! Visits to the airfield ATC and to an aeroplane hanger at Gatwick have also been organised.

We look forward to meeting you.