1. What defines a microlight?

The term ULM is used to describe a ''Motorised Ultra-Light Glider''.

The regulatory definition

A microlight is an "aircraft", that is, a machine that flies, with particular characteristics that can be summarised as follows:

* It has at most two seats; it can carry only one passenger in addition to the pilot.

* It must have a maximum take-off weight, all included (machine, passengers, fuel, baggage, etc.), of 300 kg for a single-seater or 450 kg for a two-seater. An overrun of 5% to 10% is permitted for carrying certain items of equipment specified by the regulations.

* Its engine must have a maximum continuous power of 60 kW (82 hp) for a single-seater and 75 kW (100 hp) for a two-seater, except in certain classes.

* It must be able to land at a minimum speed of 65 km/h.

Obligations of the microlight manufacturer

The low weights and speeds that are characteristic of this type of aircraft led the public authorities to subject them to suitable regulations.

The manufacturer must follow certain design rules, check that the aircraft complies by carrying out a test programme defined by the regulations, and submit to the Ministry of Transport a technical file describing all the operations and tests carried out.

If necessary, the administration will refer to the declared technical file to check that the microlight was designed, built and checked in accordance with the regulatory requirements.

There are 6 classes of microlight, distinguished by their principles of flight (class 5, "Aerostats", is practically non-existent). .

A little technical background…

Microlights are built using different types of technology:

* The simplest are built from a structure of high-strength aluminium tubes, covered with a fabric "skin" often reinforced with glass fibre.

* The most sophisticated use more modern materials (composites, carbon...) which give them better performance, but at a higher cost.

* The engines used are either 2-stroke engines of 250 cc to 600 cc, or 4-stroke engines of 1200 to 1600 cc.

Speed and endurance...

The speed of a microlight varies from 30 km/h for a paramotor to nearly 300 km/h for the fastest three-axis microlights!

Most weight-shift microlights fly between 90 and 120 km/h, and three-axis microlights fly between 100 and 200 km/h.

On average, microlights have an endurance of 3 to 5 flight hours... which allows some really lovely outings!