Microlight Adventures

The dream to become a pilot and own the sky is within many of us. The reality is that many do not know how, where and when. We are here to remove these barriers and make those dreams real.

It’s safe, it’s addictive and it’s plain awesome. You just need dedication and a few hours of your time per week for a few months.

 

What can we offer you?

We can guide, train, sell and maintain a plane suitable to the training and license type we offer.

•        WCM Weight-shift microlights training, selling and maintaining.

•        LSA Light sport aircraft (max. take-off weight 600Kg) training, selling and maintaining

•        Training on both LSA tail dragger and tricycle landing gear

•        Conversion training for microlight and LSA certified aircraft

•        Certification and aircraft inspections for ATF certification

•        Renewals

•        Sales of aircraft equipment

•        Repairs and maintenance on engines, airframes, propellers and instruments

•        Instructor courses

•        Advanced courses

•        Restricted radio courses

 

Take that step and never look back

We operate from Petit Airfield in a relaxed atmosphere. The airfield is uncontrolled and does not require any landing fees. Hangarage is also available at an affordable monthly fee as is guidance to purchasing your own aircraft so when you have completed your training you can go solo in your own plane. Soon you’re ready to leave Terra Firma with a great feeling of achievement and freedom that comes with a pilot license.

 

Be warned: it’s highly addictive and comes with a warning on the package! Who we are

Microlight Adventures is a flight school at the Petit airfield (FARA) which comprises of a few sections of expertise. These sections being training for your microlight/LSA pilots license, aircraft sales, annual ‘Authority to fly’, AP inspections and a wide product range relating to all aspects of aviation.The school was founded in 1987.

 

Already a pilot? We also offer conversion training to other LSA or microlight aircraft.

The school is run by Andy Kaspersen who has been training students on microlights and LSA’s for some 40 years. Andy is a qualified AP and a wide range of services and products are available through him such as the Icom range of radios, the Rotax 582 and 912 ranges of engines and Intercom systems.

 

Go on, take that introductory flight

Your first experience will be an introductory flight with you as passenger ranging from 30 minutes to an hour or more. You choose. From here you will decide if it’s right for you to continue onto training or not. If not, you would have had a great time flying with us. Remember to take your camera!

 

Microlight Adventures is a flight school at the Petit airfield (FARA) which comprises of a few sections of expertise. These sections being training for your microligh tor LSA pilots license, aircraft sales, annual ‘Authority to fly’, AP inspections and a wide product range relating to all aspects of aviation.The school was founded in 1987.

 

The school is run by Andy Kaspersen who has been training students for some 40 years. Andy is a qualified AP and a wide range of services and products are available through him such as the Icom range of radios, the Rotax 582 and 912 ranges of engines and Intercom systems.

 

We will train you right up until solo flight, where upon you will need your own aircraft to continue. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure the purchase of a suitable aircraft at the right price.

What is required to complete my license?

 

To obtain your pilot license the following is required:

•        Minimum age of 17 years.

•        Minimum of 25 hours training on a Microlight and 30 hours for a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). More if required before going solo. Most students require a few extra hours.

•        One day restricted radio course (offered through us).

•        a Further 15 hours solo flight in your own aircraft.

•        Cross-country navigation test (offered through us).

•        Medical examination class 4. Most people will get a medical certificate lasting for 3 years. Depends on person to person.

•        Passing of 6 multiple choice exams to be written at RAASA (www.raasa.co.za). Correct study materials can be provided through us.

•        Required to have a medium to good understanding of the English language.

 

How long will the entire training take?

That depends on you, the student. Training is not to be rushed. We need to ensure you become a safe and responsible pilot. The more hours you put in a week, the faster the course could be completed. It is quite possible for an average student to complete the course in three months – or sometimes even less. Everyone is different, some learn faster than others.

This does not mean that you will become less of a flying ace though. Age, mindset, regular training etc. all influence your progress. As a student you also need to pass 6 multiple choice exams as setup by RAASA (Recreational Aviation Assosiation of SA). They are easy if you study for a few hours per subject. We are also there to help answer and explain your concerns and uncertainty over exam subject content.

 

Bottom line: you don’t need to be a genius to fly!

 

Flying is more affordable than you think.

Weight-shift Microlights are the cheapest way to take off in a motorised aircraft for 2 people. They can be purchased in a very good used condition for around R100,000. a New unit is around R370,000.

LSA 2-seater aircraft can be purchased in good condition for around R450,000. a New unit is around R850,000. We are there to advice you on making a safe and proper purchase whatever you choose.

It’s also important to know that by the time you are ready for solo flying, you’ll need your own aircraft to do so.

 

We will discuss the hourly training rates when you made your decision after the introductory flight.

 

Other costs are:

•        Medical certificate from an accredited doctor.

•        One day restricted radio course.

•        Annual Aero Club Membership fee.

•        Annual ICASA radio license fee.

•        RAASA examination fee for 6 subjects.

•        Some relevant study books and other material for the exams.

•        Higher data bills from your service provider due to excessive pictures sent to friends and family.

 

The above costs are once-off and cheap.

To put it in context: Full WCM microlight training and all other associated cost including a good used microlight could cost you less than R180,000!

 

Our training aircraft

We have a well maintained 2-seater Weight Shift and 3-axis 2-seater LSA aircraft for training purposes.

– Solo Wings Aquilla microlight Weight-Shift trikes. The motorbike of the sky.

 

The Aquilla is locally manufactured to world-class standards. Seating 1 pilot and one passenger behind each other, the feeling of freedom is often overwhelming.

Aquilla 2-seater specifications:

•        Engine: Rotax 582 – 64 HP, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke liquid cooled, dual ignition

•        Wing span: 10.5 meters

•        Empty weight: 180 Kg

•        Maximum payload: 200 Kg

•        Fuel capacity: 50 litres

•        Fuel type: 93/95 octane

•        Fuel consumption: solo 8 litres per hour / dual 10 litres per hour

•        Cruise speed 65-100 Kph

 

– Rainbow/SkyReach Cheetah Light Sport Aircraft category. Versatile aircraft.

 

The Cheetah range of aircraft is locally manufactured to world-class standards. Choose either taildragger (1 wheel at the rear) or tricycle (1 wheel in front) landing gear. Each configuration has its own characteristics and advantages.

 

Cheetah 2-seater specifications:

•        Engine: Rotax 912/912S – 80/100 HP, 4 cylinder, 4-stroke liquid cooled, dual ignition

•        Wing span: 9.6 meters

•        Empty weight: 320 Kg

•        Maximum payload: 240 Kg

•        Fuel capacity: 90 litres

•        Fuel type: 93/95 octane or AVGas

•        Fuel consumption: solo 18 liters per hour / dual 20 liters per hour

 

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