MICROLIGHT TRAINING IN THE UK
SO YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT... MICROLIGHTING?
It has always been man's dream to fly - and there has never been a better time than right now to fulfil that dream.
Enjoy the freedom of the skies that this sport can offer - in the full knowledge that you have been trained to a very high standard.
THE JOYS OF MICROLIGHT FLYING
Microlighting is FREEDOM. Freedom to escape from the mundane restrictions of life on terra firma - and from the confines of conventional flying.
Once airborne the views are out of this world. Skimming past the clouds, flying high, swooping down like a bird, or simply relaxing and watching the ground drift by - there are few experiences quite like it.
Being at one with your aircraft - you feel like it is really YOU flying!
Microlighting is a very social sport - and what better than to share the day's flying experience with other like-minded people.
Once you are qualified, there will be many social events to attend, i.e. Fly-in's, Bar-B-Que's, Weekend trips, and even crossing the Channel to France and beyond as many clubs organise special events of this kind. There will be competitions you can enter - or just go along to the events and join in the general camaraderie that this sport enjoys.
SAFETY
At Sabre Air Sports we have a fully-qualified instructor who ensures that your flight training is always of the highest standard. Microlights have undergone rigorous and stringent tests and in many cases have higher "G" loadings than some conventional aircraft. Sabre Air Sports do not fly, or permit the flying of any microlights from Shobdon, that do not comply with the latest Civil Aviation Authority requirements.
Please note there is a seat weight limit of 90 kgs (i.e. student weight limit 90 kgs).
WHAT IS A MICROLIGHT?
“THE CURRENT DEFINITION OF A MICROLIGHT IS AS FOLLOWS:-
The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of microlight aeroplanes designed to carry not more than two persons and other laid down limitations are as follows:-
- (a) 450 kg for a two-seat landplane and
- 495 kg for a two-seat amphibian or float-plane or
- 300 kg for a single-seat landplane and
- 330 kg for a single-seat amphibian or float-plane
Note: a 390 kg single-seat landplane with a permit in force prior to the 1st January 2003 may continue to fly. - (b) A maximum wing loading for any of the above aeroplanes must not exceed 25 kg per square metre
Or - A stalling speed (in level flight?) not exceeding a calibrated airspeed of 35 knots (41mph/65kph).
Small light aeroplanes currently with a permit, not exceeding a 450 kg MTOW and meeting with the above criteria in wing loading and stalling speed, are classed as microlight aeroplanes after the 1st April 2002.
HOWEVER, perhaps a more “user-friendly” definition would be a small, economical aircraft that is great fun to fly – with the emphasis on FUN. There are single and two-seater options in both the most popular 3-Axis or “fixed wing” which is the more conventional stick and rudder type or the “flex-wing” microlight. Please note that at Sabre Air Sports we train on the 3-axis --- currently the new EV97 Eurostar (see picture).”
WHO FLIES MICROLIGHTS?
Microlighting is a participant sport, for men and women who enjoy adventures - and the rewards are enormous. People from all walks of life and aged between 17 and 80 fly Microlights and it is one of the fastest growing sports in aviation.
SABRE AIR SPORTS AT SHOBDON
Steve Jones, the Owner and Chief Flying Instructor has been flying from Shobdon since 1986 and has owned the business since 1994.
Shobdon is a multi-activity airfield, with light aircraft, helicopters, gliders as well as Microlights.
Training is carried out to a very high standard and the student will learn the procedures to ensure safety at the active airfield - in the full knowledge that when a NationalPrivate Pilot's Licence Microlights (NPPL), has been achieved there is nothing to hold him or her back from flying into other active airfields in the full knowledge that this will not be alien territory.
At Sabre Air Sports we have a fully equipped lecture room for ground school examinations and briefings together with an accessories shop. We are also agents for new Microlights and have a selection of used aircraft available (including syndicate shares). Servicing and permits to fly can also be carried out on site. Sabre Air Sports can also offer rigged hangarage for students whilst training.
Sabre Air Sports is a dedicated training facility with a full-time instructor.
Shobdon has many attractions, not least of which is the location with flying taking place in unrestricted airspace - over some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain - Herefordshire and the Welsh Borders. The airfield was originally built as a training ground for glider pilots in World War II and therefore has a wonderful ambience. There are both tarmac and grass runways, control tower, hangars, an excellent cafe and a licensed bar. There are also camping and caravanning facilities on site, and excellent Inns can be recommended offering Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
SO JUST PICK UP THE PHONE TO ARRANGE YOUR FIRST TRIAL LESSON - WHEN WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR FURTHER REQUIREMENTS WITH YOU PERSONALLY - OR JUST PHONE STEVE OR GERRY FOR A CHAT ABOUT THE SPORT.