Travel-world.co.in

Within the financial reach of an ordinary, average person lays the wonderful world of ultra light or micro light flying.  

The terms “ultra light and micro light” have the same meaning for the scope of the articles that will be submitted here. The reason for mentioning both in the heading is only that in different countries or regions, a different term is used to describe the lightest licensable aircraft, further on only one of the terms will be used.  

The two wing types are the “fixed wing or three axes” type and the “weight shift” type. The fixed wing is a very small version of a conventional aircraft. The best way to describe a weight shift aircraft is a large hang glider equipped with an engine to power it. The directional and attitude controls are done by moving the control bar back and forth and sideways. There is a great difference in controlling the weight shift type compared to the fixed wing type. The weight shift control input makes the plane go left when the control bar is shifted right and go up when the control bar is pushed forward. Controlling the fixed wing aircraft is directly opposite.  

To make use of the ultra light aircraft as a means of transportation, the fixed wing type will be the obvious choice. There are numerous makes and models to choose from with a variety of features e.g. speed, performance, seating etc. With this transportation method a micro light pilot who owns a property where building a landing strip is feasible, with a landing facility near the office or work place, far from home, the pilot can fly to work and back, skipping traffic jams and peak traffic, saving time and money on fuel because he goes to his destination in a straight line.  

The weight shift type can be a very exciting “toy or implement” because of the diversity in its use. Seating in this type of aircraft usually is, when a two seated, one behind the other or tandem. The aircraft can easily be adapted by extension and linking of the controls and pedals to be controlled from both the front and back seats. Although sitting in the wind, this is by far the best way of sight seeing. Where photography is done, the photographer sits in front with the pilot in the backseat. With almost no visual restrictions, an excellent view is usually available to the front seated. The view is considerably reduced when a wind breaking or cabin like conversion is done.  

There are kits available on the market where the weight shift model or “trike” can be fitted with tanks and nozzles to be used for crop spraying. This appears to be an excellent aircraft for recreation and working. This type is also the cheapest to purchase and maintain.