Ok Pual, great video. I think I’m probably the typical BHPA aviator….in answer to your questions , my journey started 14 years ago, I wanted to fly paraglider.. I joined BHPA and a school in Peak District . After getting my CP I realised quickly oppurtuinity to fly in uk is terrible. Unless retired or living by a site. I turned to paramotor. Which I continued for 12 years ( still fly). Then decided sub 70 was still limited to single seat and similar conditions so decided to up my game to 2 seater, to take passengers. I love my flexwing gt450 which I’ve had for 2 years after passing my NPPL. I’m 60 now but started at 56, it took 40 lessons and 15 months. Best thing ever. I think availability is the main problem. Most schools are few and far between, I learnt at Shobdon 40 mins away . That’s my closest. It’s a major commitment and off putting for most. I have friends who would love to learn but it’s to difficult. I’m lucky to be self employed so flexible with work. I think flexwings will make a big comeback mostly from PPG especially with nine out there. Incidentally I have a friend (PPG pilot) learning flexwing at sywell having terrible time with lessons etc, as sywell seems more interested in being a race track. Airfields and schools are the problem I’d say.
john - I love hearing of your experiences. I also fly a GT450 and I think it's great. I previously flew a Quik, a Blade and Quantum and I loved them all.
Hi John. Similar start to me as I started with paramotoring a few years ago. I agree that travelling for lessons can be off putting. I couldn't find any microlight schools in Leicestershire so my closest choices were either north to Darley Moor or south to Sywell. I ended up doing my NPPL at Darley Moor as that was where I did my paramotor training all those years ago. Even so, 45 mins travel each was was a pain, especially for the 9am lessons when I would frequently be turned around on the M1 when the bad weather call was made.. I did have a trial lesson in a Eurostar at Sywell many years ago, but i'm flexwing all the way. I have heard similar things about Sywell being more interested in racing events which is a real shame. I hope that flexwing flying has a resurgence and Im sure that the sub 70 class will a bit of a stepping stone for some. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I really enjoy reading these comments. 👍
@@paulieb796 thanks for sharing, I guess we have what we have. Anyway, interesting and informative show you do here. Please keep it up. ..fyi I would like to see more flying vids with more behind the scenes planning. ie, why you choose a location to go somewhere, weather watching , all week, then the day. …just an idea. 👍🏼
Hi Paul, great video im a flexwing student im loving it I chose a flexwing over fixed wing because im a biker and like the feeling the great out doors in my face hopefully in the next few months I hope to have my nppl.
Hi Colin. I think we came from the same mould. That is exactly why I fly flex and I ride bikes. I’ve definitely got to do a video about the connection between riding a bike and flying a flexwing. 👍
Absolutely. I've just submitted my responses to the CAA. If they make the whole system simpler so that it is possible to go from one rating class to another with minimal additional expense and where all previous relevant flying experience is counted, then that has got to be a good thing. 👍
Hi Paul, I started my NPPL(M) training at the time I bought my PB, in September '22 (aged 63). I was only looking for instruction to safely fly the PB (mostly as I didn't believe I could pass any of the exams!), but as we progressed I decided to try and go for the license. I solo'd the PB a year ago at the end of March, with 11 hours under my belt in the Quantum and after 13 months (19 hours/2 seat plus 9 hours in the PB) I got to solo the 2 seater. Sadly, this winter hasn't been kind as you said, so with 5 hours solo logged, I've still got 5 hours solo minimum to do, including the 2 Nav-X's, before being able to attempt the GST. Hoping 2024 will be the year to get through it, before my 2 years is up on the exams! 😅
Don’t forget that you do have the option of opting for a restricted license which will stop the clock on your exam passes. That way you could complete your training without having to worry about your exams running out. Then remove the restriction later once you have completed the required nav exercises. Best of luck. Hopefully 2024 will give you enough flyable weather to get it all done. 👍
Suffering from a chest infection and having this drop into my notification box has been a welcome event. I qualified aged 17, 30 years ago this August after a four week PPL course in Florida. As you can imagine, being 17 I soloed within 15.5 minutes, well, try 12 hours. In all it took me around 50 hours to achieve my PPL. My biggest concern regarding licence changes is, will it result in yet more cost to change the licence over. I've seen numerous licence reiterations in the last 30 years and some have resulted in fees to change over. It used to just be a PPL where you could fly microlights etc on that one licence, then they created the NPPL and so on and it became extremely complex, especially when JAA, JAR and EASA got involved. It does need to become simple and hopefully it won't result in a cost to the pilot if you already hold a licence. Of course as always the production was great, but I was hoping that when you showed your phone screen you were going to open the Barclays app to show me your bank details and your riches, or your private photos from the one man and his microlight collection. Two strokes or four strokes, your call.
Nice one Nat. This evening I submitted my response to the CAA following the BMAA’s guidelines. There is a catch all question at the end where you can free type general comments and the BMAA has pushed exactly the point you make. A pilot should be able to progress from flying a hang glider to flying an airliner with as little complexity, unnecessary expense and repetition of training where all flying experience is counted toward training at the next level. In terms of my Barclays account, now i am a massively overpaid UA-cam influencer, i’m going to have to switch my assets to an offshore tax haven the details of which will remain a closely guarded secret 🤫.
Great watch again. With reference to the licensing application stats, I was initially interested in sub 70 thanks to yourself, Giles, Micro maintenance etc but quickly realised I'd need training. I'm now 11hrs and 2 exams in aiming for an NPPL. For me I want to be sure I'm as best prepared as I can be. I still haven't decided what I want to fly but for now its 2 seat and maybe a Nine one day 🤞
Hi Andrew. You have no idea how amazing it is to read that someone has started flying after listening to me babbling on about how great it is. Looks like your well on your way to getting your license. I think you've made a sound choice in opting for the NPPL route as you will have so many more options when you qualify. in my dream world, I would have both my NiNE and a two seater (deltajet - yellow with a BMW engine please Santa!!). Look forward to meeting you at DM. 👍
Thanks for the feedback Graham. I'll start putting a link to the event calendar in the description and maybe slow it down a little bit in future videos. Thanks for watching.
Good job Paul! Interesting your comments on the licence review, I agree with your views, but these weren't always aligned with the bmaa proforma answers, especially Reval flight with instructor and the 6-13 boys. Engine off landings, deffo. I fly a skyranger, and regularly practice (one on my rubbish UA-cam channel) but I fly out of a very quiet strip. Always makes me smile, the mustn't turn off cos it might not restart argument. Flex Vs 3axis. Who knows.. 3 axis getting sexier now and they're warmer? Go places aircraft?
Nice to read that i'm not the only who enjoys the challenge/thrill of an engine off landing. I had an interesting conversation this evening with Mr Fowler where we spoke about the standard of training between microlight pilots and PPL pilots. Of course, we concluded that microlight pilots are better 😉. I agree that performance of some of the modern fixed wing microlights is very impressive, especially since the increase to 600Kg, but they often have eye watering price's to match. My NiNE will happily cruise at 60-70mph with little effort required and is a fraction of the price. I do agree however that in winter, the thought of shifting to the dark side and a heated cockpit has crossed my find when the fingertips start stinging. 👍
I think the Deltajet has retractable shoulder straps as well. I am suprised that no one has designed something that can be retrofitted to P&M machines. Maybe something for @wingnutshomeofmicromainten6946 to consider??
Good vid 👍 Ribs healing but still suffering from that concussion 🤣 Is the bigger 2 seater flexwing trikes in decline and the smaller single seaters increasing? Later
Hi Patrick. It looks like flexwing flying in the UK has slid backwards in recent years. The small single seat market however (sub70 and SSDR) is growing massively so while licensed flexwings pilots are fewer in number, the number unlicensed flexwing pilots is on the increase. 👍
One big point is that an NPPL as it stands is effectively a Dead end. the hours do not count towards a full PPL. So a wannabe airline pilot with a NPPL will have to do a whole new license in LAPL or PPL. The LAPL can be converted into a PPL. Its important that this be a feature of a future sub-ICAO license.
Agreed. There is a general comments section at the end of the consultation and this is exactly the point I made. Moving from one license to another shouldn’t incur any unnecessary repetition in training and any relevant flight experience should count. Hopefully that’s where we’re heading. 👍
Thanks for the latest video! So I have an expired (F)ATPL and want to get back in to flying (Attending Popham next month). From desktop research the is the square root of nothing in the southeast to train on flexwings. And even fewer airstrips that seem welcoming….. thoughts and comments welcomed
Where abouts are you? Have you had a look on the BMAA website? They have a search facility to find nearby microlight schools. Failing that, there are numerous Facebook forums. The most popular UK forum is “Microlight Pilots”. There is a specific one for the south of the UK called “Southern Microlight Club”. If you join these forums and ask the question, you’ll get some answers from people with first hand knowledge. Unfortunately i’m from up north and now live in the midlands so my knowledge of microlight clubs down south is very limited. Hope you find somewhere. 👍
@@paulieb796 Cheers Paul. I'm just south of Guildford and near to Dunsfold aerodrome. I will take a look, albeit I took myself off Facebook a couple of years ago. Are you flying your Nine down to Popham or do you know if there is going to be one there? I'd love to have a close up look! Hopefully see you there.
Excellent video, a lit to go through. My first powered Solo was a Piper Warrior in 7 hours. I want to go flex wing first, then add on 3 Axis. I wonder if the stats are low because instead of going ppl, some people are just buying a sub 70 flex. I like tge idea of full dead stick landing, for microlights. It allows you brain to save some memories so its not as shocked. I'm from a gliding background so quiet landings are the norm. Another great video Paul. Still no cliser to me starting my flying training
Thanks Simon. Hope your are recovering well. I think you might be onto something. It might be that the number of flexwing pilots is actually increasing, but more of them are not licensed as they are choosing the sub 70 route. I agree re deadstick landings, it is funny how what is the norm for a glider pilot is an emergency in the eyes of some powered pilots.
The loose shoulders straps is an odd one, if they are not properly tightened or are "tensioned" using a bungee they will not keep you in the seat as intended and may as well not be there, moving the seat forward (if possible) so you can fully reach your controls would be the better solution.... if you can't and you have short arms then your stuck with less range of motion but at least you are properly belted in! Engine off landings in a fixed wing or GA aircraft are not a good idea IMO, you are leaving yourself vulnerable if you need to go around (which we often do) and have either no time to restart your engine or it doesn't start when needed... In a flexwing the same applies but the consequences may be lessened.
It’s my understanding that it’s the lap belts job to keep you in your seat. The shoulder straps job is to stop you coming into contact with the front strut in the event of a rapid deceleration. Concerning engine off landings, without knowing why you frequently need to go around, I don’t know how you could mitigate that risk. It just makes sense to be that being well practiced in landing without power means you are better prepared to deal with that eventuality. All just my opinion of course. 👍
@@paulieb796 The shoulder straps are to keep you against the backrest in any application whether it's a race car or aircraft, hitting you head on whats in front of you is never a good thing when performing an emergency landing in a field or over trees for example (or a race car hitting the barrier). Go arounds are very common in GA, anything from birds on the runway to a gust of wind blowing you off centre line or even just an unstable approach, the go around is a life saver surely you've heard the expression "if in doubt go around"?!... With your engine off that option is gone and this is dangerous, it's why we are not trained to do it, in fact we are very much trained to go around if anything is not 100%.
@KarlGosling hi Carl, with some flexwings/pilot combinations, if the shoulder straps are so tight that you cannot lean forward, then this could restrict movement to the point that a pilot would not be able to push the control bar to the strut which will limit your pitch up input. I hear your point about go around, but that would beg the question how do gliders overcome these issues? Or are you saying that any aircraft without power will s inherently dangerous if it cannot exercise a go around?
I am not a native English speaker, which might be why I find your descriptions of English weather delightful. So if "rubbish" is IMC, is "pants" then 'low IFR', or is it the other way around?
Hi there. I do have a rather simple way of saying things. I realised when I started talking about IMC that there was no way I was going to be able to recall the definition of what defines IMC and VFR minima off the top of my head, so “rubbish weather” was the best I could do on the spot! Pants weather would be a different level of rubbishness, but while us Brits are very familiar with rubbish and pants weather, I think the term might confuse our friends in the USA. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment that made me chuckle. 👍
Can’t speak for flex wing folk but I fly a within GA. Under NO circumstances would I ever practice engine off landings. Glide approach and PFLs away from the airfield is enough. Honestly, I think it would be crazy-stupid to even go onto one Mag, let alone switch the engine off. No chance!
Hi Paul, Love your channel. Re: A suggested topic: SUB 70 Annual flying budget - I fly a Trike (Flexwing) here in the South Island of New Zealand and have reached out to Ben Ashman (Flylight) about purchasing a Nine and coming over to fly it in 2025. I would be interested in knowing what an expected annual budget might be. Apart from the purchase price what would be my expected annual costs? BMAA & Club membership, landing fees, medical, annual inspection, fuel based on an approximate flying hours, maintenance (filters, oil, plus etc) allowance, insurance (full & 3rd party), hangarage or a trailer (estimation - Giles has one) and how many cooked breakfasts and pints I'd be consuming? You may also want to include for the newbies an expected training cost i.e. you have commented as guide that your age is a good budget of how long it takes to learn i.e. 50 = 50 hours of training. So on a non flying day this might give you something to do. Cheers Paul
Hi Paul. This is perhaps the most requested topic for a video and so one I am definitely going to make. The ongoing cost of keeping something like a NiNE is what made me switch from a Quantum 912 which I used to part own to a de-regulated aircraft and that has saved me thousands. Watch this space, I will definitely cover this. Thanks for the comment. These really help me out. 👍
I see your point. however, its the lap belt that is designed to keep you strapped in. The shoulder strap is to prevent forward motion so the pilot cannot come into contact with anything in the event of a rapid deceleration. Provided the straps are adjusted to prevent your upper body being able to reach the front strut, then I do think this idea has some merit. Just my opinion though. 👍
Is there a link where I can subscribe to the magazine? Is there a U.S. version. Not that it matters. I would love to own one some day! The adventures I would have!!!!
Hi There. The magazine is a publication produced monthly by the BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft association). It is circulated to anyone who is a paid member of the BMAA. You could join the BMAA here www.bmaa.org/ and I'm sure you would be very welcome. However the BMAA is mostly concerned with things happening in the UK. I don't know if there is an equivalent in the US but i'd be very surprised if there wasn't. Hopefully someone else in the US might be able to answer your question. I hope you achieve your dream one day. It is definitely an adventure. 👍
There is no equivalent of the BMAA magazine in the USA. I'm a Brit from Wales and learned to fly trikes way back in the 80s in Kent. I have thousands of hours in trikes and other aircraft and was an instructor in the USA for years too, I taught 3-axis but specialized in trikes. There used to be a great community here when it was the great Ultralight movement but that changed when it went to Light Sport Aircraft etc. I wrote the only book on Trike flight training in the USA and still sell copies. There was the USUA organization that put out a large magazine but I think they may no longer be around. DO a google search on my name and you will find a contact for me in Lakewood Ohio, USA.
I find it humorous that some of you are complaining about traveling 45 minutes to attend training. I can drive for 45 minutes and not be 10% of the way to the nearest instructor. I very much wish I lived near civilization!
@@paulieb796 if I were to get standard 3 axis training with tricycle gear the drive is only ten minutes. For flew wing or even tail dragger the picture changes drastically. Hey Paul, thanks for what you do!
I've been grounded since oct due to mushy field! I like how this channel has progressed. Really informative and useful thanks.
Thank you. Hopefully some drier weather should be on the way to dry your mushy field. 👍
1st time viewer and now subscribed - really interesting - thanks
Welcome aboard Andy. Thanks for subscribing. 👍
I have a brew and a few biscuits and ready to learn more new things.
Will you be attending Airventure ‘24?
@@bobniedbalec7168 unfortunately I can't make it. SnF2024 was the first US airshow I've ever been to.
We are trying to permanently export him, but he keeps coming back 😉
Like how bad I am at speeling 😂
@@paulieb796Export him to Wyoming USA so he can teach me to fly flexwing!
You are becoming the face of microlighting Paul. Good work sir.
Jeez, I hope not. I’d like to see the numbers going up not down!!
Ok Pual, great video. I think I’m probably the typical BHPA aviator….in answer to your questions , my journey started 14 years ago, I wanted to fly paraglider.. I joined BHPA and a school in Peak District . After getting my CP I realised quickly oppurtuinity to fly in uk is terrible. Unless retired or living by a site. I turned to paramotor. Which I continued for 12 years ( still fly). Then decided sub 70 was still limited to single seat and similar conditions so decided to up my game to 2 seater, to take passengers. I love my flexwing gt450 which I’ve had for 2 years after passing my NPPL. I’m 60 now but started at 56, it took 40 lessons and 15 months. Best thing ever. I think availability is the main problem. Most schools are few and far between, I learnt at Shobdon 40 mins away . That’s my closest. It’s a major commitment and off putting for most. I have friends who would love to learn but it’s to difficult. I’m lucky to be self employed so flexible with work. I think flexwings will make a big comeback mostly from PPG especially with nine out there. Incidentally I have a friend (PPG pilot) learning flexwing at sywell having terrible time with lessons etc, as sywell seems more interested in being a race track. Airfields and schools are the problem I’d say.
john - I love hearing of your experiences. I also fly a GT450 and I think it's great. I previously flew a Quik, a Blade and Quantum and I loved them all.
Let’s hope we have a nice summer to enjoy our sport. Flexwing pilots are all real nice people. Thanks btw
Hi John. Similar start to me as I started with paramotoring a few years ago. I agree that travelling for lessons can be off putting. I couldn't find any microlight schools in Leicestershire so my closest choices were either north to Darley Moor or south to Sywell. I ended up doing my NPPL at Darley Moor as that was where I did my paramotor training all those years ago. Even so, 45 mins travel each was was a pain, especially for the 9am lessons when I would frequently be turned around on the M1 when the bad weather call was made..
I did have a trial lesson in a Eurostar at Sywell many years ago, but i'm flexwing all the way. I have heard similar things about Sywell being more interested in racing events which is a real shame.
I hope that flexwing flying has a resurgence and Im sure that the sub 70 class will a bit of a stepping stone for some. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. I really enjoy reading these comments. 👍
@@paulieb796 thanks for sharing, I guess we have what we have. Anyway, interesting and informative show you do here. Please keep it up. ..fyi I would like to see more flying vids with more behind the scenes planning. ie, why you choose a location to go somewhere, weather watching , all week, then the day. …just an idea. 👍🏼
Great video 🤩 I’ll check out your flight on the app
Thanks. I think you'll really enjoy the app. Thanks you for taking the time to leave a comment. 👍
Hi Paul, great video im a flexwing student im loving it I chose a flexwing over fixed wing because im a biker and like the feeling the great out doors in my face hopefully in the next few months I hope to have my nppl.
Hi Colin. I think we came from the same mould. That is exactly why I fly flex and I ride bikes. I’ve definitely got to do a video about the connection between riding a bike and flying a flexwing. 👍
Very interesting Paul, be interesting to see how licensing evolves. 👍👍
Absolutely. I've just submitted my responses to the CAA. If they make the whole system simpler so that it is possible to go from one rating class to another with minimal additional expense and where all previous relevant flying experience is counted, then that has got to be a good thing. 👍
Hi Paul, I started my NPPL(M) training at the time I bought my PB, in September '22 (aged 63). I was only looking for instruction to safely fly the PB (mostly as I didn't believe I could pass any of the exams!), but as we progressed I decided to try and go for the license. I solo'd the PB a year ago at the end of March, with 11 hours under my belt in the Quantum and after 13 months (19 hours/2 seat plus 9 hours in the PB) I got to solo the 2 seater. Sadly, this winter hasn't been kind as you said, so with 5 hours solo logged, I've still got 5 hours solo minimum to do, including the 2 Nav-X's, before being able to attempt the GST. Hoping 2024 will be the year to get through it, before my 2 years is up on the exams! 😅
Don’t forget that you do have the option of opting for a restricted license which will stop the clock on your exam passes. That way you could complete your training without having to worry about your exams running out. Then remove the restriction later once you have completed the required nav exercises. Best of luck. Hopefully 2024 will give you enough flyable weather to get it all done. 👍
@@paulieb796 Good point, I hadn't thought of that. Got 12 months on the 1st exam left, so fingers crossed, not a problem?
@@nsm3 plenty of time left. You’ll smash it. It’s worth remembering that you have options though if it starts looking a bit tight. 👍
Suffering from a chest infection and having this drop into my notification box has been a welcome event. I qualified aged 17, 30 years ago this August after a four week PPL course in Florida. As you can imagine, being 17 I soloed within 15.5 minutes, well, try 12 hours. In all it took me around 50 hours to achieve my PPL. My biggest concern regarding licence changes is, will it result in yet more cost to change the licence over. I've seen numerous licence reiterations in the last 30 years and some have resulted in fees to change over. It used to just be a PPL where you could fly microlights etc on that one licence, then they created the NPPL and so on and it became extremely complex, especially when JAA, JAR and EASA got involved. It does need to become simple and hopefully it won't result in a cost to the pilot if you already hold a licence. Of course as always the production was great, but I was hoping that when you showed your phone screen you were going to open the Barclays app to show me your bank details and your riches, or your private photos from the one man and his microlight collection. Two strokes or four strokes, your call.
Nice one Nat. This evening I submitted my response to the CAA following the BMAA’s guidelines. There is a catch all question at the end where you can free type general comments and the BMAA has pushed exactly the point you make. A pilot should be able to progress from flying a hang glider to flying an airliner with as little complexity, unnecessary expense and repetition of training where all flying experience is counted toward training at the next level. In terms of my Barclays account, now i am a massively overpaid UA-cam influencer, i’m going to have to switch my assets to an offshore tax haven the details of which will remain a closely guarded secret 🤫.
Great watch again. With reference to the licensing application stats, I was initially interested in sub 70 thanks to yourself, Giles, Micro maintenance etc but quickly realised I'd need training. I'm now 11hrs and 2 exams in aiming for an NPPL. For me I want to be sure I'm as best prepared as I can be. I still haven't decided what I want to fly but for now its 2 seat and maybe a Nine one day 🤞
Hi Andrew. You have no idea how amazing it is to read that someone has started flying after listening to me babbling on about how great it is. Looks like your well on your way to getting your license. I think you've made a sound choice in opting for the NPPL route as you will have so many more options when you qualify. in my dream world, I would have both my NiNE and a two seater (deltajet - yellow with a BMW engine please Santa!!). Look forward to meeting you at DM. 👍
Little tip: Please put Events calendar in the description as to quik to screenshot or pause. Thank you
Thanks for the feedback Graham. I'll start putting a link to the event calendar in the description and maybe slow it down a little bit in future videos. Thanks for watching.
Good job Paul! Interesting your comments on the licence review, I agree with your views, but these weren't always aligned with the bmaa proforma answers, especially Reval flight with instructor and the 6-13 boys.
Engine off landings, deffo. I fly a skyranger, and regularly practice (one on my rubbish UA-cam channel) but I fly out of a very quiet strip. Always makes me smile, the mustn't turn off cos it might not restart argument.
Flex Vs 3axis. Who knows.. 3 axis getting sexier now and they're warmer? Go places aircraft?
Nice to read that i'm not the only who enjoys the challenge/thrill of an engine off landing. I had an interesting conversation this evening with Mr Fowler where we spoke about the standard of training between microlight pilots and PPL pilots. Of course, we concluded that microlight pilots are better 😉. I agree that performance of some of the modern fixed wing microlights is very impressive, especially since the increase to 600Kg, but they often have eye watering price's to match. My NiNE will happily cruise at 60-70mph with little effort required and is a fraction of the price. I do agree however that in winter, the thought of shifting to the dark side and a heated cockpit has crossed my find when the fingertips start stinging. 👍
Thanks for the app shout out! Love the video Paul, very informative and engaging 🎉
My pleasure. Strava for pilots. Its a no brainer!! Why has no one thought of it sooner??
@@paulieb796 god knows 🤷🏼 at least it exists now!
A quick one on seat belts , a retractable mechanism works well like you find in a car. I had them on my XT
I think the Deltajet has retractable shoulder straps as well. I am suprised that no one has designed something that can be retrofitted to P&M machines. Maybe something for @wingnutshomeofmicromainten6946 to consider??
@@paulieb796 I’m sure airborne used part from a car, I’ll bet they’re cheap as chips.
Your are welcome, great channel.
Thanks Dean👍
18:23 Got a little bit freaked out just then haha!
Pot luck. Just scrolling through and your flight popped up! Unfortunately you don’t win anything though. 👍
@@paulieb796 Aww, and there I was thinking i was special 😂
Good vid 👍
Ribs healing but still suffering from that concussion 🤣
Is the bigger 2 seater flexwing trikes in decline and the smaller single seaters increasing?
Later
Hi Patrick. It looks like flexwing flying in the UK has slid backwards in recent years. The small single seat market however (sub70 and SSDR) is growing massively so while licensed flexwings pilots are fewer in number, the number unlicensed flexwing pilots is on the increase. 👍
One big point is that an NPPL as it stands is effectively a Dead end. the hours do not count towards a full PPL. So a wannabe airline pilot with a NPPL will have to do a whole new license in LAPL or PPL. The LAPL can be converted into a PPL. Its important that this be a feature of a future sub-ICAO license.
Agreed. There is a general comments section at the end of the consultation and this is exactly the point I made. Moving from one license to another shouldn’t incur any unnecessary repetition in training and any relevant flight experience should count. Hopefully that’s where we’re heading. 👍
Thanks for the latest video!
So I have an expired (F)ATPL and want to get back in to flying (Attending Popham next month). From desktop research the is the square root of nothing in the southeast to train on flexwings. And even fewer airstrips that seem welcoming….. thoughts and comments welcomed
Where abouts are you? Have you had a look on the BMAA website? They have a search facility to find nearby microlight schools. Failing that, there are numerous Facebook forums. The most popular UK forum is “Microlight Pilots”. There is a specific one for the south of the UK called “Southern Microlight Club”. If you join these forums and ask the question, you’ll get some answers from people with first hand knowledge. Unfortunately i’m from up north and now live in the midlands so my knowledge of microlight clubs down south is very limited. Hope you find somewhere. 👍
@@paulieb796 Cheers Paul. I'm just south of Guildford and near to Dunsfold aerodrome. I will take a look, albeit I took myself off Facebook a couple of years ago. Are you flying your Nine down to Popham or do you know if there is going to be one there? I'd love to have a close up look! Hopefully see you there.
@@AP268 I’ll probably be going to Popham on the Saturday on my bike, but I’m sure Flylight will be there with their range. The NiNE will be there. 👍
Great video, Paul, very informative. Thank you for the link to the app download 👌🏻👍🏻
Thanks Kev. Look forward to following your flights. 👍
Nice one ❤
Thanks 🔥
Brilliant vid 👏 👌 👍
Glad you enjoyed it👍
Excellent video, a lit to go through. My first powered Solo was a Piper Warrior in 7 hours. I want to go flex wing first, then add on 3 Axis. I wonder if the stats are low because instead of going ppl, some people are just buying a sub 70 flex. I like tge idea of full dead stick landing, for microlights. It allows you brain to save some memories so its not as shocked. I'm from a gliding background so quiet landings are the norm. Another great video Paul. Still no cliser to me starting my flying training
Thanks Simon. Hope your are recovering well. I think you might be onto something. It might be that the number of flexwing pilots is actually increasing, but more of them are not licensed as they are choosing the sub 70 route. I agree re deadstick landings, it is funny how what is the norm for a glider pilot is an emergency in the eyes of some powered pilots.
Great video. Just downloaded the app. See you at Weston 🤙
Hi Ian. Cant wait for Weston show. Are you flying at the show?
The loose shoulders straps is an odd one, if they are not properly tightened or are "tensioned" using a bungee they will not keep you in the seat as intended and may as well not be there, moving the seat forward (if possible) so you can fully reach your controls would be the better solution.... if you can't and you have short arms then your stuck with less range of motion but at least you are properly belted in!
Engine off landings in a fixed wing or GA aircraft are not a good idea IMO, you are leaving yourself vulnerable if you need to go around (which we often do) and have either no time to restart your engine or it doesn't start when needed... In a flexwing the same applies but the consequences may be lessened.
It’s my understanding that it’s the lap belts job to keep you in your seat. The shoulder straps job is to stop you coming into contact with the front strut in the event of a rapid deceleration. Concerning engine off landings, without knowing why you frequently need to go around, I don’t know how you could mitigate that risk. It just makes sense to be that being well practiced in landing without power means you are better prepared to deal with that eventuality. All just my opinion of course. 👍
@@paulieb796 The shoulder straps are to keep you against the backrest in any application whether it's a race car or aircraft, hitting you head on whats in front of you is never a good thing when performing an emergency landing in a field or over trees for example (or a race car hitting the barrier).
Go arounds are very common in GA, anything from birds on the runway to a gust of wind blowing you off centre line or even just an unstable approach, the go around is a life saver surely you've heard the expression "if in doubt go around"?!... With your engine off that option is gone and this is dangerous, it's why we are not trained to do it, in fact we are very much trained to go around if anything is not 100%.
@KarlGosling hi Carl, with some flexwings/pilot combinations, if the shoulder straps are so tight that you cannot lean forward, then this could restrict movement to the point that a pilot would not be able to push the control bar to the strut which will limit your pitch up input. I hear your point about go around, but that would beg the question how do gliders overcome these issues? Or are you saying that any aircraft without power will s inherently dangerous if it cannot exercise a go around?
I am not a native English speaker, which might be why I find your descriptions of English weather delightful. So if "rubbish" is IMC, is "pants" then 'low IFR', or is it the other way around?
Hi there. I do have a rather simple way of saying things. I realised when I started talking about IMC that there was no way I was going to be able to recall the definition of what defines IMC and VFR minima off the top of my head, so “rubbish weather” was the best I could do on the spot! Pants weather would be a different level of rubbishness, but while us Brits are very familiar with rubbish and pants weather, I think the term might confuse our friends in the USA. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment that made me chuckle. 👍
Can’t speak for flex wing folk but I fly a within GA. Under NO circumstances would I ever practice engine off landings. Glide approach and PFLs away from the airfield is enough. Honestly, I think it would be crazy-stupid to even go onto one Mag, let alone switch the engine off. No chance!
There is an interesting difference in opinion on this topic between GA and microlight pilots. It’s a good conversation starter. 👍
Hi Paul, Love your channel. Re: A suggested topic: SUB 70 Annual flying budget - I fly a Trike (Flexwing) here in the South Island of New Zealand and have reached out to Ben Ashman (Flylight) about purchasing a Nine and coming over to fly it in 2025. I would be interested in knowing what an expected annual budget might be. Apart from the purchase price what would be my expected annual costs? BMAA & Club membership, landing fees, medical, annual inspection, fuel based on an approximate flying hours, maintenance (filters, oil, plus etc) allowance, insurance (full & 3rd party), hangarage or a trailer (estimation - Giles has one) and how many cooked breakfasts and pints I'd be consuming? You may also want to include for the newbies an expected training cost i.e. you have commented as guide that your age is a good budget of how long it takes to learn i.e. 50 = 50 hours of training. So on a non flying day this might give you something to do. Cheers Paul
Hi Paul. This is perhaps the most requested topic for a video and so one I am definitely going to make. The ongoing cost of keeping something like a NiNE is what made me switch from a Quantum 912 which I used to part own to a de-regulated aircraft and that has saved me thousands. Watch this space, I will definitely cover this. Thanks for the comment. These really help me out. 👍
Great look foraward to it. PS Apart from landing fees please include the camping fee (if any -a range would do). Cheers Paul (PHS).
I'm not sure that shoulder strap bungee is going to help keep you strapped in under any force?
I see your point. however, its the lap belt that is designed to keep you strapped in. The shoulder strap is to prevent forward motion so the pilot cannot come into contact with anything in the event of a rapid deceleration. Provided the straps are adjusted to prevent your upper body being able to reach the front strut, then I do think this idea has some merit. Just my opinion though. 👍
Hey...I think I'm first. I'll get that cold drink.
stone - So happy for you. You have risen muchly in my regard! 😍
Get the beers in !!
See you at Popham!
Will do. I’ll probably go down on the bike. 250m round trip might be a bit much for the NiNE in one day! 👍
Nooooo! That's what the NiNE is for!
Andy, I’m sure the NiNE would be up to the job. It’s the pilot that would struggle!
@paulieb796 it's just a slightly longer cross country. Go for it.
Is there a link where I can subscribe to the magazine?
Is there a U.S. version.
Not that it matters.
I would love to own one some day!
The adventures I would have!!!!
Hi There. The magazine is a publication produced monthly by the BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft association). It is circulated to anyone who is a paid member of the BMAA. You could join the BMAA here www.bmaa.org/ and I'm sure you would be very welcome. However the BMAA is mostly concerned with things happening in the UK. I don't know if there is an equivalent in the US but i'd be very surprised if there wasn't. Hopefully someone else in the US might be able to answer your question. I hope you achieve your dream one day. It is definitely an adventure. 👍
There is no equivalent of the BMAA magazine in the USA. I'm a Brit from Wales and learned to fly trikes way back in the 80s in Kent. I have thousands of hours in trikes and other aircraft and was an instructor in the USA for years too, I taught 3-axis but specialized in trikes. There used to be a great community here when it was the great Ultralight movement but that changed when it went to Light Sport Aircraft etc. I wrote the only book on Trike flight training in the USA and still sell copies. There was the USUA organization that put out a large magazine but I think they may no longer be around. DO a google search on my name and you will find a contact for me in Lakewood Ohio, USA.
Great video Paul. Very informative. Lying in bed with Mrs H who even seemed interested. Early night as I’ve been on PPST (OST). K
Cheers bud. I’ve figured out how to get a different strokes reference in. Watch this space! 👍
Are there any updates on the IMC proposals?
Not yet. The consultation period doesn’t end until 16th July. 👍
I find it humorous that some of you are complaining about traveling 45 minutes to attend training. I can drive for 45 minutes and not be 10% of the way to the nearest instructor. I very much wish I lived near civilization!
I guess, a 45 minute drive isn't too bad when you put it like that.
@@paulieb796 if I were to get standard 3 axis training with tricycle gear the drive is only ten minutes. For flew wing or even tail dragger the picture changes drastically. Hey Paul, thanks for what you do!