Microlights

A microlight aeroplane is one designed with not more than two seats, and which has a Maximum take-off mass (MTOM), not exceeding:

• 300kg for a single seat landplane.
  
• 472.5 kg for a landplane, two-seater equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system
  
• 450kg for a two seat landplane
  
• 330kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane
  
• 495kg for a two seat amphibian or floatplane
  
• 315kg for a land plane single-seater equipped with an airframe mounted total recovery parachute system

and for aeroplanes, having the stall speed or the minimum steady flight speed in landing configuration not exceeding 35knots calibrated air speed (CAS).

Microlight Aeroplane Classes

Microlight aeroplanes come in three different types (referred to as "Classes") ;

• (a) Three-axis microlights - these are controlled by conventional ailerons on the wings and elevators and a rudder at the tail;
• (b) Weight-shift flexwing microlights - these have a delta shaped hang-glider type wing and are controlled by shifting the aeroplane's centre-of-gravity;
• (c) Powered parachute microlights - these fly under a paraglider type canopy wing these have a shrouded propeller (i.e. a protective guard around the propellor which prevents it interfering with the lines attaching the paraglider canopy).

Some of the above microlight classes may be operated in seaplane or amphibian versions. 

Requirement to hold a Microlight Pilot Licence

Under the Irish Aviation Authority (Personnel Licensing) Orders, a pilot of a microlight aeroplane is required to hold a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) (abbreviated "PPL(A)"). A person learning to fly a microlight aeroplane must hold a Student Pilot Licence (abbreviated "SPL") before he flies the aeroplane on his own ("solo" flying) and he may only fly solo when authorised by an appropriately licensed Flight Instructor (see below)

Details of Licensing requirements can be found in Aeronautical Notice P17

Requirements for Training

A person wishing to obtain a PPL for a microlight aeroplane must undergo a course of ground (Theoretical Knowledge) and flight training which is set out in the appropriate syllabuses. Generally, this training will be obtained at a microlight flying club. Flight training covers normal and emergency procedures in general handling and cross-country navigation exercises. A minimum of 40 hours total flight time must be obtained, which must include 10 hours of solo time and the required qualifying solo cross country flight. (Note: Microlight pilots are not required to undergo the 5 hours of instrument / radio navigation training required by conventional aeroplane pilots.) Ground training covers airframe and engine technical knowledge, aircraft performance and ‘weight & balance', meteorology (weather), navigation theory and flight planning, air law (Rules of the Air), radio communications (including Air Traffic Control procedures) and Human Performance & Limitations (the medical, physical and psychological aspects of flying).

Persons who can give Microlight Training

Training must be undertaken with a qualified microlight aeroplane Flight Instructor (abbreviated "FI[M]"). Such an instructor will hold a PPL himself on which is endorsed a Flight Instructor Rating for the microlight aeroplane classes in which he is qualified to instruct. In addition, the microlight flying club where instruction is being undertaken must be registered with the IAA for that purpose as a Registered Training Facility (Microlight). The club will have a Certificate of Registration which must be displayed in a prominent place in the club premises.

Microlight Pilot Medical Requirements

Before going solo on Student Pilot Licence, or being issued with a Private Pilot Licence, a person must pass a medical examination for a Class 2 Medical Certificate. This examination must be undertaken with a doctor who is nominated as an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) by the IAA.

National Microlight Association of Ireland (NMAI)

The National Microlight Association of Ireland, (NMAI) was founded to promote the sport of microlight flying and to meet the needs of a growing number of aviation enthusiasts in Ireland who wanted to fly their own microlight aircraft for recreational purposes.

In May 1996 the IAA granted the NMAI special approval to certify and issue certificates of release to service in respect of maintenance (including inspections) and repair of Irish registered microlights.

The NMAI Procedures manual defines the organisation and procedures, upon which, the IAA approval is based.

The NMAI are responsible for the oversight of all microlight aircraft (factory or kit built) under their control.

The NMAI are approved by the IAA to make recommendations for the Issue and renewal of Permits to Fly for microlight aircraft.

Owners should make applications for the issue or replacement of a Permit to Fly for microlight aircraft to the NMAI.

NMAI inspectors undertake the annual inspection of their aircraft and make recommendations to the IAA for the Permit renewal.

They also liaise with the IAA regarding continuing airworthiness of microlights and modifications. Their officers co-ordinate the annual inspections and make recommendations to the IAA accordingly, so that a Permit can be issued/renewed.