MICROLIGHT AND GYROCOPTER CENTRE
FlexwingOur flexwing Aircraft
Flex Wing P&M GT450
The great all-rounder, with traditional kingpost design. A 13sqm wing but with Quik performance, a trim range of 55-80mph making it perfect for all occasions. Used by instructors, club pilots and competition pilots alike, it has taken it all without compromise. Holder of various world records from speed in a triangle to world record heights to winning world championships. The first Quik wing to introduce tip fins, and also the first with a 450kg maximum take-off weight. Tip fins ensuring great stability at all speeds and weights, not simply a fashion accessory but designed and optimised for performance and handling.
Learning to fly a flexwing
Introductory Flights
Learn to fly a Flexwing Microlight
At Alba Airsports we offer you the opportunity to purchase an introductory trial flight, and take to the skies in one of these fantastic flying machines.
Also known as an Air Experience Flight, this is an ideal way of experiencing the exhilarating sensation of open cockpit flying. If you’ve always wondered what it might be like, then this is the way to find out!
An ideal gift for the budding aviator, we offer 30-minute, 60-minute and the ultimate 90-minute trial flight. During the flight you will have the opportunity to take the controls and fly the aircraft yourself, or you can simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the beautiful Perthshire countryside, so don’t forget your camera! If you later decide to train for your pilots licence to fly a microlight, then your air experience flight will count towards your training.
What’s the cost of aircraft ownership?
Under the CAA Permit to Fly scheme, microlight aircraft owners can perform most scheduled maintenance requirements on their own. This keeps the cost of ownership to a minimum. An annual inspection by a certified inspector is required to ensure the aircraft is safe and airworthy (similar to a vehicle MOT) and the cost for this inspection is approximately £100.
Microlight aircraft operate from airports, airfields, farm strips, private fields, etc so cost of hangarage varies depending on the location and facilities. Monthly hangarage rates for a fully rigged flexwing microlight aircraft average around £110/month at Perth Airfield where Alba Airsports is based. For those in syndicate ownership, the costs are shared by agreement amongst the aircraft owners keeping the cost of ownership lower still.
Who can learn to fly a microlight aircraft?
Anyone. Individuals who are reasonably fit and within the weight limits.
** Weight Limit for Flexwing – 16.5st/105 kilos
How much will it cost to complete the course?
The average student will spend from £3,500 to £4,500 to complete the full course of training.
Students are charged for flight lessons based on ‘engine time’ (from engine start to engine stop). The current rate for a 1 hour flying lesson on a school aircraft is £120 for flexwing aircraft.
All flight lessons include a pre-flight classroom briefing that will cover theoretical and practical elements of the upcoming air exercise. The pre-flight brief takes approx 30 –40 minutes and there is no charge for this classroom briefing.
There are also nominal administration and processing charges for each exam when taken. Where a student feels he needs supplemental ground school tutoring, this can also be arranged on an hourly paid basis.
Will I need to buy my own aircraft?
You can self hire the school aircraft G-DTAR
Most students eventually purchase their own aircraft. Some purchase an aircraft outright or join a syndicate of owners.
Good condition second hand machines cost less than you would normally spend on a second hand car. New machines are also relatively inexpensive compared to conventional aircraft.