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19/03/2008, 8:54 PM PAUL PATERSON Joined on 16/02/2005 Rochester Kent Posts 20 When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? I have the flying bug and once i finally pass my licence want to own my own flying machine ideally. I have seen microlights for £2700 and then others for £20 000 and i have also seen planes for £12 000 so i am now wondering what the difference is and why you would buy one over the other as i always thought the difference was the cost. Do you have to take the same licence / exams?    Report

20/03/2008, 5:44 PM puff o'wind Joined on 08/02/2007 Posts 180 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? Thee difference between a microlight and a group A machine is  to do with the weights and wingloadings. Check with LASORS etc. Why? Its cheaper to learn to fly a microlight than it is to learn to fly a Class A plane. Does that make sense? No, of course not because the actual performance differences between, say, a C42 microlight and a C150 are minimal but pretty much all in favour of the Cessna! The costs differences? xcant explain. Except that if you pay £40000 for a microlight it'll be a new one and if you pay £20000 for a Warrior it'll be an old one. Simple economics suggests "they" have made far more Warriors than C42s...so far!   If you do an NPPL on a C42 then convert to a Warrior it'll be cheaper than doing it from scratch on a warrior!  It's a mad, mad, mad world!!   HTH   D    Report

20/03/2008, 8:51 PM tomc Joined on 03/10/2007 Posts 15 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? ++If you do an NPPL on a C42 then convert to a Warrior it'll be cheaper than doing it from scratch on a warrior!  It's a mad, mad, mad world!!++ yes I noticed that 'loophole' too. I am training on a c42 microlight. i'll get some hours then I'll probably then do the A rating    Report

20/03/2008, 10:26 PM PAUL PATERSON Joined on 16/02/2005 Rochester Kent Posts 20 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? Let me get this straight as im very tired right now.. I can train and then obtain my NPPL in a microlight cheaper than in a plane ( i take it thats what a warrior is?) then do a conversion course to upgrade me so that i am in a position to then fly a plane. Does that also work for the PPL? Is there a stigmata that comes with microlights "thats not a real plane, is it?" type of thing?    Report

20/03/2008, 10:35 PM puff o'wind Joined on 08/02/2007 Posts 180 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? A stigmata? I don't think microlights are that good!!  Sorry, being sarcy. You mean a stigma. Yes and no. There is if you want there to be. truth is a C42 microlight will ffly the pants off most heavier planes. But, its a 2 seater and always will be. Its also Day VFR etc etc and never going to change. But learn on the C42 and "upgrade" later more cheaply than doing the class A course now...if you ever want to. many chaps only ever fly microlights and are very happy with it.   D    Report

29/03/2008, 3:26 PM Cpt Bigglesworth Joined on 12/03/2008 Posts 4 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? Sorry to jump in here. I'm in a similar position. I just can't justify the £160-£200 pounds an hour to do my PPL. If I can get my NPPL(M) and then simply upgrade once funds allow, that sounds great (if this is possible). I've been reading up on the C42 and it seems to be quicker, roomier and alltogether newer! than the C152. It will also be cheaper to run/hire once you have completed the training. As for the stigma thing, the people that matter are those who don't mind, and those who mind, don't matter. They won't be there at 2500 feet, you will.    Report

31/07/2008, 1:49 PM Rod1 Joined on 12/11/2005 Midlands Posts 23 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? You might want to have a look at a Eurostar micro. In my opinion it is even better than a C42, and is about in bigger numbers.   Rod1    Report

29/08/2008, 7:39 PM brianoserous Joined on 29/08/2008 Posts 4 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? Eurostar rocks.  I've flown one for 3+ years now and it would take some serious contendor to beat it.  flys beautifully and the ladies love it ;o)    Report

31/08/2008, 10:46 PM diana Joined on 31/08/2008 Posts 1 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? my hubbie as eurostar and it is the most amazin plane i love it and you are right the ladies do love it    Report

13/10/2008, 4:06 PM GorgeousDave Joined on 12/05/2005 Newark, Notts Posts 44 Re: When does a microlight become a plane and vis-versa? Are they always cheaper and is a plane safer? What about gyro flying instead? I have flown in gyros, microlights and light aircraft and I find the gyro was the most fun!    Report

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