Reading this article is your first step towards an involvement in one of the most fascinating areas of aviation today. Microlight aeroplanes have developed over the past few years into a sensible alternative to other forms of aviation.

With most aviation pursuits you are restricted to operating in a club environment. Gliders, for instance, require a whole team of people to get the machine in the air. Light aircraft on the other hand are extremely expensive to operate on a personal basis, and pilots are normally restricted to hiring or borrowing a machine from a local club.

Microlights, however, have changed the face of sport flying. They can be operated solely by the Pilot without additional assistance. Microlights can normally be rigged by one person in less than 40 minutes and are road transportable. This means you can keep your machine at home, saving the cost of hangarage, and giving you flexibility when planning your flights.

Bedford Flight Training is located at Bedford Microlight Centre, which is 7 miles East of Bedford, approx a quarter of a mile from the A1 at Sandy, making it quite possibly the most easily accessible Microlight airfield in the UK.

Bedford Microlight Centre is one of the leading companies in Microlight aviation today, offering sales and servicing on all leading manufactured Microlights. In conjunction with the Bedford Flight Training flying school, it is in an excellent position to offer you the best possible training package at the most competitive rates.

Microlight aeroplanes, although not difficult to fly, do require training. This training is required by law, and leads to a National Private Pilot's Licence (NPPL) with a Microlight rating.

About the aircraft

There are two basic and distinctly different types of Microlight aeroplanes. The first is a weight-shift or flex-wing, which is based on hanglider technology. These machines usually have two seats and are specifically designed to be easy to fly and just as easy to rig and de-rig.

A Quantum 912 Weight-shift or Flex-wing aircraft

The other type of Microlight is the conventionally controlled 3-axis aircraft. These look and behave like perfect miniature aeroplanes and are controlled in exactly the same way as normal aircraft. Both single and two seat models are available.

A thruster 3-axis aircraft

Both types of aircraft are available for training, however you can only be trained on one type of machine to get your licence. Once a qualified Pilot you can convert if necessary.