Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Questions
Click on a question to jump to the answer.
The Flying Experience
- What is a Microlight?
- How safe is a Microlight?
- What type of Microlights can I go flying in?
- Who will fly the aircraft during my experience flight?
- Can I try flying the aircraft?
- How fast will the microlight fly?
- How high will the microlight fly?
- What are the weather limitations for microlight flying?
- What should I bring on the day of my experience flight?
Learning to Fly
- How fast will a microlight fly?
- How high will a microlight fly?
- How far can a microlight fly?
- What engines do microlights use?
- What fuel do microlights use?
- How much does a microlight cost?
- How much does it cost to run a Microlight?
- What type of Microlights can I learn to fly?
- Who will instruct me?
- What sort of license do I need to fly a microlight?
- How long will it take to get my license?
- What is the fastest way to get my license?
- How much will it cost to get my license?
- Is there a minimum age to learn to fly microlights?
- Do I need a medical?
- Do I have to own a Microlight to do my training?
- What kit will I need for my training?
- Can I book a trial flight to see if I like it?
- Is there a Microlighting association in this country?
- Do I need insurance to fly a microlight?
- Can I fly my microlight abroad?
- Do I have to always take off and land on a runway?
- Can I fly anywhere in a Microlight?
Pilot Services at Balado
- What does club membership cost?
- What facilities are there at Balado?
- What aircraft services do you offer?
- Do you sell aircraft parts?
- Can you fit aircraft parts?
- Can you inspect and check fly my microlight for it's annual permit to fly?
- Where is the airfield located - by road?
- Where is the airfield located - by air?
- What type of air traffic service is there at Balado?
- What radio frequency is used for this service?
- Can I get fuel at Balado?
- What is the landing fee at Balado?
- Is there overnight accommodation at Balado?
FAQ Answers
The Flying Experience
- What is a Microlight?
A microlight is an aeroplane allowed to carry no more than two people and must weigh 450kg or less (including fuel and passengers).
return to top - How safe is a Microlight?
Microlights are not only the largest group of light aviation aircraft in the UK but they also have one of the best safety records. Despite their fragile appearance, modern microlights are incredibly strong. Even in the highly unlightly event of an engine failure the aircraft will simply glide safely to earth.
return to top - What type of Microlights can I go flying in?
You can choose to go up in a Flex Wing or a Fixed Wing Microlight. A Flexwing is open cockpit and has a wing similar to a hand glider with a trike unit underneath. A fixed wing aircraft has a cockpit and is similar to a conventional aircraft.
return to top - Who will fly the aircraft during my experience flight?
Your pilot on the day will be a fully qualified flying instructor (CAA approved) with ample experience. You will be in extremely safe hands.
return to top - Can I try flying the aircraft?
Once the aircraft is in flight your pilot will be happy for you to take control.
return to top - How fast will the microlight fly?
You will fly somewhere between 60 and 100mph.
return to top - How high will the microlight fly?
Typically we will take you up to about 4,000ft.
return to top - What are the weather limitations for microlight flying?
Microlights are best flown in light winds, up to 15 knots, with good visibility.
return to top - What should I bring on the day of my experience flight?
Bring warm clothes including gloves and suitable outdoor footwear. We will provide a cosy flying suit, helmet and radio headset and a balaclava if required. Please also bring a camera so you can take away a souvenir of your flight.
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Learning to Fly
- How fast will a microlight fly?
This depends on the type and model of aircraft but somewhere between 60 and 100mph.
return to top - How high will a microlight fly?
The world record is 31,890ft. The highest you can fly without having to breathe Oxygen is 10,000ft.
return to top - How far can a microlight fly?
The range depends on the type and model of aircraft. On average about 160 miles.
return to top - What engines do microlights use?
This varies between aircraft. Generally they are either two or four stroke producing 40 to 80 horsepower.
return to top - What fuel do microlights use?
Standard unleaded petrol - the same your car runs on.
return to top - How much does a microlight cost?
Brand new between £10,000 and £40,000. Second hand £3,000 upwards.
return to top - How much does it cost to run a Microlight?
The running cost is about the same as a car.
return to top - What type of Microlights can I learn to fly?
You can choose to learn to fly a Flex Wing or a Fixed Wing Microlight. A Flexwing is open cockpit and has a wing similar to a hand glider with a trike unit underneath. A fixed wing aircraft has a cockpit and is similar to a conventional aircraft.
return to top - Who will instruct me?
The person teaching you will be a fully qualified flying instructor (CAA approved) with ample experience.
return to top - What sort of license do I need to fly a microlight?
The licence you will attain is the National Private Pilot's Licence (NPPL). This is a license specific to Microlights.
return to top - How long will it take to get my license?
For a full (unrestricted) licence you must complete a minimum of 25 hours (10 of which are solo). How long it takes you depends on age, aptitude, experience, learning rate, and the frequency of your lessons. The national average is around 36 hours.
return to top - What is the fastest way to get my license?
We offer the opportunity to put you through an intensive flying course at our flying school in the South of France (Gap, Tallard). Here the weather is consistently good for flying. To find out more visit our Pegasus France Website
return to top - How much will it cost to get my license?
The cost depends on the ability of the student. The average is about £4,000.
return to top - Is there a minimum age to learn to fly microlights?
You can start logging training hours from the age of 14, fly solo from the age of 16, and gain a full license at 17. There is no maximum age for a pilot.
return to top - Do I need a medical?
A medical examination is not required but you do need a medical certificate declaring you are healthy, signed by your doctor and countersigned by you.
return to top - Do I have to own a Microlight to do my training?
No. All our instructors have easy to fly aircraft that you can train on.
return to top - What kit will I need for my training?
You will need a flying suit, gloves, helmet, headset and log book. We will provide all the kit for your trial flight.
return to top - Can I book a trial flight to see if I like it?
Of course. We recommend you book a trial flight or a trial lesson, you can do this via our booking page.
return to top - Is there a Microlighting association in this country?
The BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft Association) looks after all the interests of microlighters in the UK
return to top - Do I need insurance to fly a microlight?
During your training you will be fully covered. Once you gain your license you will need third party and passenger liability cover.
return to top - Can I fly a microlight abroad?
Your UK licence does not automatically entitle you to fly in other countries however most countries will allow you to. The BMAA should be contacted to check your status before you go.
return to top - Do I have to always take off and land on a runway?
You can fly a microlight to and from any suitable land area with the permission of the owner.
return to top - Can I fly anywhere in a Microlight?
Almost anywhere but you need permission to enter restricted airspace.
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Pilot Services at Balado
- What does club membership cost?
Club membership is £100 a year and includes unlimited use of the airfield for all take offs and landings.
return to top - What facilities are there at Balado?
We have a number of runway options which cover almost all wind directions. In the hangar we have all the tools and equipment to help you keep your machine in top condition.
return to top - What aircraft services do you offer?
We are approved service agents for Rotax engines and can carry out warranty work for both two stroke and four stroke power plants. We offer routine servicing and heavy maintenance on the entire Rotax series of engines. This includes engine overhauls, crankshaft replacements and fault finding. We also provide airframe overhauls and wing servicing/tuning. This can be done on site at Balado or we can come to you. Marcus Dalgetty is a senior inspector for the BMAA and can provide: permit inspections on all categories of microlight, inspector audits, check flights for permit renewal on all types of microlight, check pilot ratings for pilots seeking this rating, instructor renewals, flying instructor courses approved by the CAA, Initial FIC examinations
return to top - Do you sell aircraft parts?
Yes, we can source and supply parts for your aircraft.
return to top - Can you fit aircraft parts?
Yes, we provide a fitting service for aircraft parts.
return to top - Can you inspect and check fly my microlight for it's annual permit to fly?
Marcus Dalgetty is a senior inspector for the BMAA and can provide this service.
return to top - Where is the airfield located - by road?
For directions by road visit our Balado Airfield location page.
return to top - Where is the airfield located - by air?
For directions by air visit our Balado Airfield location page.
return to top - What type of air traffic service is there at Balado?
The service is a traffic service on 129.825. The tower is not manned and therefore you are making calls to warn other traffic of your location and intentions.
return to top - What radio frequency is used for this service?
The service is a traffic service on 129.825.
return to top - Can I get fuel at Balado?
If you telephone the office in advance on 01577 863 645 unleaded fuel can be arranged.
return to top - What is the landing fee at Balado?
There is no specific landing fee but donations are welcome.
return to top - Is there overnight accommodation at Balado?
There is no accommodation available on the airfield but it is available in nearby Kinross.
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Still have questions? Call us on 01577 863 645
