Editorial
The Microlight Spirit
In our everyday lives, we are often faced with decisions that are made by taking into account the wording of a text or a law. However, there is another important dimension to take into account, not insignificant and often tipping the balance: the context and framework surrounding the subject.
In other words, and without going as far as citing Montesquieu's “The Spirit of the Laws”, we all know that in everything there is the letter and the spirit of the text, and that these two notions are inseparable.
When we fly microlights, it is exactly the same, and we must be in that “spirit”.
So, for example, flying a three-axis microlight the way one flies a certified light aeroplane makes no sense. For although, in terms of pure handling, the shared skills are considerable, the spirit in which one approaches flight with one or the other type of aircraft must be different.
We can never repeat it enough: the microlight pilot must be responsible.
Responsible for the condition of his machine, for maintaining his skills, and he must never lose sight of the fact that engine failure is not an extremely unlikely event as in certified aviation, and that therefore the strategy for dealing with it consists in always flying within a safety cone that allows a landing in open country. A landing in open country that could damage the microlight but must not result in a fatal accident.
Forgetting the Microlight Spirit, failing to recognise it or refusing to abide by it means restricting the safety of your flight and the pleasure of flying.
For being responsible means taking on many duties, but it also means being able to enjoy a wonderful space of freedom and autonomy that transcends flight. We all know this, because it is why we fly ultralights, and it is also why many join us from certified aviation, or why aeroplane clubs make microlights available to their pilots.
To the latter I would give just one piece of advice: not only train your pilots in microlight flying, but also, and above all, train your pilots in the Microlight Spirit.
The R.E.V operation will begin in March; we can never repeat it enough, it is a fantastic opportunity to resume flying with complete peace of mind, accompanied by an instructor.
Do not hesitate to register on the dedicated R.E.V area of the federation website www.ffplum.fr.
Enjoy your return to flying in the Microlight Spirit.
Eric Galvagno
Head of the Flight Safety Committee
