LEARNING TO FLY A MICROLIGHT - Cost & Where to Start.

Рет қаралды 1,537

Күн бұрын

Curious about what it takes to learn how to fly a Microlight or Sub 70Kg flexwing but you don't know where to start and you are wandering how much it all costs? This video is for you.
I will give you a breakdown of all of the expenses I incurred when I began my journey towards my National Private Pilot's License back in 2017 along with a list of all of the materials and books that helped me through the learning process.
I will share with you the choices I faced when deciding on what aircraft to buy and what it actually cost to buy a flexwing aircraft as well as registering it with the CAA and insuring it.
Finally, I will give you a detailed breakdown of my ongoing annual costs to keep myself legal to fly and my aircraft airworthy.
If you are at the "Can I Afford it?" stage, then this video will help.
The websites referred to in this video:-
QuizAero - www.quizaero.co.uk/signup/pau...
The BMAA - www.bmaa.org/
The CAA - www.caa.co.uk/
The BHPA - www.bhpa.co.uk/
Ofcom - www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-...
PlaneSpeak - planespeak.com/
Use Aircraft for sale - afors.com/
Books & Materials :-
The Microlight Pilot's Handbook
amzn.to/3yW3fmc
Communications
amzn.to/3z0gimK
Communications Exam Prep
amzn.to/45osM3w
Air Law for Microlight Pilots
amzn.to/4bXwST1
Pilot's Weather
amzn.to/3z6yMlK
Skyway Code
www.caa.co.uk/general-aviatio...
Flexwing Briefing Notes
www.shop.flylight.co.uk/flyli...
Air Charts
www.flightstore.co.uk/charts-...
Pens
amzn.to/3xtejqx
Ruler
amzn.to/45uqqQL
Flight Computer
www.flightstore.co.uk/product...
Log Book
www.flightstore.co.uk/product...
chapters
00:00 Intro
00:44 BMAA
01:51 Medical Requirements
02:30 NPPL Syllabus
04:28 Sub 70Kg
05:12 Costs of obtaining license
06:42 Books & Materials
10:23 QuizAero
12:02 Flight Radio Telephony License
13:43 Buying an Aircraft
16:48 Ongoing Costs
My aircraft
Trike - FlyLight BivvyBee - www.peabee.co.uk.flylight.co....
Wing - Aeros NiNE- aeros.com.ua/nine
Engine - Cors-Air BlackBull - www.corsairmotors.com/en/moto...
2 Stroke Oil - amzn.to/45GVVrb
Instruments
Conspicuity - uavionix.com/products/skyecho/
Engine Monitoring - www.flyelectronics.eu/
Navigation - www.skydemon.aero/
Flight Logging - www.avinet.app/
Mobile phone Mount - amzn.to/4cmsZa0
Compass - amzn.to/3x7Uh53
Compass Mount - www.etsy.com/uk/listing/11567...
Comms
Helmet - microavionics.com/products/ic...
Headset - microavionics.com/products/pa...
Radio - amzn.to/4bYqH0J
Clothing
Flying Suit - www.ozee.co.uk/shop#!/Millenn...
Bar Mitts - www.ozee.co.uk/shop#!/Ozee-Ba...
Recording Equipment
Flying cameras - 2 x GoPro Hero 9 - amzn.to/3RnY9FB
SD Cards - amzn.to/45oGyTU
Media Mod - amzn.to/3Ruh95o
GoPro Battery Charger - amzn.to/3z5Akwb
Studio/Vlogging camera - www.dji.com/uk/osmo-pocket-3
Microphones - store.dji.com/uk/product/dji-...
Studio Microphone - amzn.to/3VHoqBm
Web Cam - Logitech Brio 500 - amzn.to/4coAXzp
Camera Mounts
Bar Mount - amzn.to/3RoILJq
Wing Mount - flybubble.com/catalog/product...
Pylon Mount - amzn.to/4b6FoxD
Editing
Video Editing - Adobe Premiere Elements 2021 - www.adobe.com/uk/products/pre...
Photo Editing - Adobe PhotoShop Elements 2024 - www.adobe.com/uk/products/pho...
Screen Captures - OBS Studio - obsproject.com/
Stock Photos - Adobe Stock - stock.adobe.com/uk/
Music - Epidemic Sounds - www.epidemicsound.com/
Other Useful Links
QuizAero - www.quizaero.co.uk/
Aircraft Maintenance - Micro Maintenance - www.microaviation.co.uk/micro...
Flight Training - Microtraining - microaviation.simplybook.it/v2/#
The BMAA - www.bmaa.org/
#microlight #ultralight #aviation #ssdr #whywefly #aeros #flexwing #lightsportaircraft #experimentalaircraft #pilot #flying #sub70kg #peabee #polini #vittorazimotors

Пікірлер: 55

@GolfFoxtrot22 Ай бұрын

Hi Paul, great video as always, you'll be taking the vlogging mantel soon. Just a quick point, the Air Law book is out of date so the better option is the Skyway code and the Brian Cosgrove Pilots weather ( amazing book) is now no longer in print, which is such a shame. Keep up the good work mucker.

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Giles, you need to write a book! I’d buy it. 👍

@GolfFoxtrot22 Ай бұрын

@@paulieb796 I still managed to appear in this video.😂

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

⁠You and Ian did both have a brief cameo appearance. It is surprisingly difficult to make a video about flexwing flying without you cropping up somewhere. I’ll keep trying 😂

@geoffreycoan Ай бұрын

great detailed explanation Paul. Its probably worth highlighting a few areas that might vary: Your hangarage as a wings folded sub 70 is definitely on the low side. I have a 2 seater flexwing and my hangarage is more like £130 a month, plus a higher club membership fee at my airfield. Also you only budgeted for 3rd party insurance via BHPA (as I do); if you want hull cover (i.e. Comprehensive) then that’s another £600-1000 depending on aircraft value and your experience level. You’ll also have an annual inspection required, a fee to the inspector and a BMAA permit fee - another £350-400 or so. The analogy of owning a second car is a great one, it’s what I use when describing the costs. It’s perfectly possible to buy an excellent used aircraft for very little money, my first plane was a 2 stroke Medway Raven that cost just over £2000. At the end of the day its still enjoying the privilege of being able to fly

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Thanks. I guess the costs will be different for everyone. Definitely cheaper for me with an SSDR. I just wanted to try and dispel the myth that flying is only for the very wealthy. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment t. 👍

@kieranharriman7055 Ай бұрын

The one I’ve been waiting for. I hope it’s wife friendly and has subliminal messages saying “Let him fly, let him fly….” Ta Paul.

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

I guess it depends on the wife! I'm hoping Mrs B doesn't watch this one!! 🤣

@bobniedbalec7168 Ай бұрын

Best response! Give this guy a prize!!

@SimonAmazingClarke Ай бұрын

Paul, this episode should be on every potential microlight pilots watch list. Absolutely brilliant job mate. I've got the same hand book. Just need the air law one and medical before I start flying. Three days until second hip op.

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Thanks Simon. Hope all goes well with the op. You’ll be climbing mountains in no time. 👍

@SimonAmazingClarke Ай бұрын

@paulieb796 Thanks Paul. I certainly will. Cheers.

@PaulWallett-bd3qz Ай бұрын

Okay Paul, hopefully see you at parafest. 👍

@colinmackintoshdale 27 күн бұрын

Brilliant Paul. Thanks for a great overview. Very very informative and wonderful production.

@paulieb796 27 күн бұрын

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍

@clearprop Ай бұрын

A great summary of what's involved and well presented as always. Keep 'em coming! 🙂

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Ta buddy. 👍

@stone8597 29 күн бұрын

Great video. The questions I can always count on people asking me are: How far? How fast? and How much? Recently I think I would add... How high? ... to the list of questions.

@paulieb796 29 күн бұрын

Same old questions (might do a short video where I just answer all of them). I quite often also get “how do you go for a wee!” !

@fly1327 Ай бұрын

It is funny (sad?), the more $ (I'm a Yank) I spent over several hundred hours of flying, the less enjoyment I experienced. Hang gliding then sailplanes then SEL powered flight (Cessnas and such). Powered trikes and instruction are kind of rare over here, or at least they were the last time I looked. But a great video if you're a Brit looking to start.

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

That’s why I’m trying to keep it as cheap as possible. I get a smug feeling sharing the same airspace with pilots knowing I spent a fraction of the price to get there. 👍

@kevchilton908 Ай бұрын

Although I'm fixed wing, I still foud it a very interesting video, Paul, very nicley delivered! 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Thank Kev. Kind words as always. 👍

@trevorpadovani3691 29 күн бұрын

Brilliant video! Very informative. Thank you! I'm thinking of learning to fly microlights. I'm nearly 50 so hope I havnt left it too late. I live in Kent , Stoke Medway is my closest club so I'll say hello to them at some point.

@paulieb796 29 күн бұрын

Trevor, it’s never too late although if you’re anything like me, you’ll kick yourself for not doing it sooner. Life is too short to do things later! Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 👍

@tp2fly 29 күн бұрын

Thank you! Yep , life is too short. I certainly will let you know when I commence.

@peterkelseyferryair2396 Ай бұрын

Hi Paul, Yet again an EXCELLENT VIDEO ;-) I did notice a couple of misquotes in your Balance Sheet though !!! Skydemon is £129 for the 1st Year (Not £144) & then £99 yearly thereafter * Correct on 10/06/2024* CAA Aircraft Registration is £88 (Not £73) * Correct on 10/06/2024* Keep pumping out your videos, they are Supreme Content 😎

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Hi Peter. I pay monthly for my SkyDemon prescription which is £12/ month hence £144 per year. When I registered my BivvyBee it cost me £73. As I said in the video, my figures are from 4 years ago so would need to be adjusted for inflation. Thank you for adding the up to date figures. I guess I should have done this. 👍

@peterkelseyferryair2396 Ай бұрын

@@paulieb796 paying monthly for your SkyDemon prescription which is £12/ month hence £144 per year now makes sense, but since I now live in Scotland I have become as tight as the 'Clansmen' & prefer the Annual charge of £99 # I like that you consider Skydemon to be "Aviation Medication" thus you pay for a Prescription 🤠#. When you registered your BivvyBee it would have cost you £73 but I bet you recently paid £88 to register the 'Nine' ?

@WayneMillsKidals Ай бұрын

Hi Paul Although good practice to have Air Law ground exam passed, it is not mandatory to take before going Solo (as you describe in video)

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Hi Wayne. Yes , you are absolutely correct. There is no legal requirement to pass your air law exam before flying solo. However a lot of schools will insist on it so they are in a defensible position should a solo student do something illegal. Thanks for pointing this out though so I can clarify. 👍

@SharonBatterton Ай бұрын

Top video. 😎

@paulhyde-smith5166 Ай бұрын

Great stuff, I can now plan on convincing the wife to let me own a SUB 70 microlight. I do like the trailer option as I'd be keen to travel about and fly when the UK weather permits. Hope to see you next year Paul. Cheers PHS (New Zealand).

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

It’s great to have the flexibility to trailer your aircraft to places. I’ve been to a view events with the wing on the roof and the trike in the trailer. It also saves a few quid on hangarage. 👍

@TomHardie-zv9or 27 күн бұрын

And some, like the Airplay Snake, will go into the back of an estate car so no need for the trailer. Thanks for a great video

@paulieb796 27 күн бұрын

@@TomHardie-zv9or the Flylight trike will fold down into the boot of a car. You might struggle to get the wing in there though 😉

@johnnyboy1014 29 күн бұрын

Very informative and helpful thank you.

@paulieb796 27 күн бұрын

Thankyou. Hope it helped. 👍

@leescottdavis 22 күн бұрын

This is excellent. Thanks Paul.

@paulieb796 22 күн бұрын

Thank you. Hope it was helpful. 👍

@DanSmithBK Ай бұрын

A useful video that can be shared with curious friends - thanks! Worth a mention though - if the aircraft needs a BMAA permit, then all owners do need BMAA memberships so only optional on SSDRs....

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Hi Dan. You have raised a very valid and important point which I should have made clear. I've pinned your comment so others should see it. Thanks. 👍

@PaulWallett-bd3qz Ай бұрын

Thanks Paul, It’s useful to get a breakdown of costs for buying and running a microlight. I’ll hopefully be at parafest this year so I might see you there. Take care, Paul.

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

⁠Thanks Paul. Hopefully this might help anyone thinking of taking the plunge. Not sure if I’m going to make parafest but if I do, make sure you come and say hello. 👍

@gedstokes4832 Ай бұрын

Hi Paul, very interesting. I’d never actually tabulated the costs. It is good to see it all laid out. Very accurate. Doing difference training at present but suffering from bad weather and lesson availability. Frustrating.

@paulieb796 Ай бұрын

Don’t talk to me about the weather. I’ve taken most of June off work and so far it’s rained every day and it doesn’t look like changing anytime soon. ☔️

@gedstokes4832 Ай бұрын

@@paulieb796 I’ve a lesson booked for Tuesday pm, it’s not looking too good. 🤷🏻🤷🏻

@berniebrown9115 5 күн бұрын

Another question is the nine rated as an ultra lite or a lite sport in US? I had thought ultralit and in US no license required and I don’t think it has to be regestered. Not positive about registration.

@paulieb796 5 күн бұрын

I’m UK based so not overly familiar with US regulations, but I believe that the NiNE meets FAR 103 regulations so is classed as an ultralight and therefore no license required. Not sure what registration requirements are. Leave it with me and I’ll try and get an answer for you. 👍

@berniebrown9115 5 күн бұрын

@@paulieb796 what is the weight of your aircraft and are you satisfied with the engine you are using ?

@paulieb796 5 күн бұрын

Just had confirmation from the US distributor of the Flylight NiNE (Blue Collar Aviation). The NiNE does not need to be registered. 👍

@berniebrown9115 5 күн бұрын

@@paulieb796 I watched one of your past videos where you put a wing up from storage. Thought that was another wing am I right? Is the nine easier to fold back and could you show that on a video. Or was I wrong and that was the nine wing you showed? And by the way thanks for answering my question

@paulieb796 5 күн бұрын

@@berniebrown9115 no problem answering questions. The rigging Video I previously uploaded was for an Aeros Fox 13TL wing. The rigging procedure for the NiNE wing is very similar and takes about the same amount of time. Very quick and easy to rig. I might need to do a separate NiNE rigging video. 👍