Ultra light Aircraft and Microlight Aircraft

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    "In your dreams!" Well, not anymore. Fly over the treetops with full view and the wind in your face.

    Owning a traditional aircraft or helicopter is extremely expensive and time consuming, but there is a great alternative for the "small guys". Customarily referred to as ultralight aircrafts, these machines are known by many names: Affordaplanes, ultralight aircrafts, ultralight helicopters, ultralight trikes, or microlight aircraft. The flexibility is endless! You can purchase a new ultralight aircraft, used ultralight aircraft, or purchase a kit and build it yourself.

    DaVinci’s crude, yet prophetic, sketches and trials with the first airplane gave birth to the hang gliding phenomenon. In the 1970’s it was taken one step further when people began putting small engines on them. What a boost! As these aircraft evolved, became more powerful and maneuverable, and with the addition of landing gear, they were upgraded to full-fledged aircraft. In 1982, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented ultralight airplane regulations.

    Ultra light aircraft and microlight aircrafts may not look as safe as a Boeing 747, but the sport of ultralight aviation has become a very safe and affordable way to fly. In order to own and fly an ultralight aircraft, you must have a pilot’s license. This requires time and effort, but it’s well worth it.

                                                           The journey to aircraft ownership begins with the purchase. Do your research! For a new aircraft you can easily spend between $10,000.00 and $25,000.00, but if you buy used or purchase a kit, you can save a substantial amount of money. For an ultralight or microlight aircraft kit you will generally spend between $6,000.00 and $20,000.00. These machines do require assembly. Whether you are a novice or an extreme aviation fanatic, the ultralight aircraft is for you. The ultralight and microlight aircraft kits are well documented and include tested packages of parts to assist in the ease of erecting your own aircraft. Some basic things to look for in a reliable aircraft kit are as follows: low weight combined with high durability, corrosion resistance, affordability and ease of assembly and maintenance. It can take around three to six months, or possibly more, to build an aircraft.

    Well, the passion may be there, but the time isn’t. Buying a used microlight or ultralight aircraft may be the way to go. There are advantages and disadvantages. Not only can you save money over buying new, but with a used aircraft you can find a good or vintage model that isn’t made any longer. Some of these companies stopped production of certain models, not because they were substandard, but simply to make way for newer models and technology.

    There are a few questions that need to be answered when buying used ultralight aircraft. The main aspect in buying any used aircraft if safety. When purchasing a used aircraft, make sure all of the equipment that is supposed to be with it is included. A little common sense goes a long way. Make sure there is a good, operational parachute included and always wear a helmet while in flight. You need to know if the aircraft was stored in a hanger by its previous owner. If stored properly and kept out of the weather, it can still be in prime condition after fifty years. Check the fuselage. One can easily see if there is any wear and tear around the connections to the wings and around the moving parts. The heart of your ultralight aircraft is the engine. It is imperative to start the engine after draining and cleaning the entire fuel system. If this isn’t done, it can seriously damage the propulsion system. There shouldn’t be any fuel in the carburetor.

    The next issue may sound trivial, but it’s quite important. Check the color of the wings. There shouldn’t be any drastic change in the color. This indicates weathering and the wings could be decayed or at least in less than peak condition. This can be an expensive repair. Also check where the wings connect to the body of the craft. Any tears will cost you even more money.

    If your ultralight aircraft does come with parachutes, make sure they are no older than five years. If they are older or the aircraft doesn’t come with any at all, you will have to buy a new one.

    Finally, check all moving parts. You can save yourself financially and possibly even your life if you just check. You don’t have to be a mechanic to look for obvious flaws.

    If an ultralight aircraft is not what you’re looking for, why not go with a microlight aircraft. Microlight aircraft are generally considered lighter than ultralight, and the trike is quite unique.

    The Microlight trike, or flexwing trike as it is sometimes called, is more similar to a hang glider than an airplane. The trike part of the name is derived from the fact that it has a 3-wheel undercarriage. The control of this craft is very similar to a hang glider. Steering is accomplished by holding on to a triangular bar and pushing, pulling and turning the bar to turn the craft. Trikes are designed for the recreational and part-time fliers by their natural stability and ease of operation.

    Because of their low cost, fuel efficiency lightweight, short distance take off and landing capability and ability to operate in somewhat tumultuous, trikes have become extremely popular with the novice. Microlight trikes can be transported on a very small trailer, stored in a standard garage, and assembled for ready flying in less than thirty minutes.

    You can cozy up in the cockpit of an ultralight airplane with a friend or fly with the birds in a microlight aircraft. Different aircraft have different rules, regulations and requirements, so knowledge of your needs and aircraft are important. With a little bit of common sense and training, the sky’s the limit and the freedom is amazing!