Sport introduction

Last 11 June, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, Opal’R ULM hosted this training course on its premises. This microlight airfield is simply magnificent, with the sea at the end of the runway and the beach 15 minutes away on foot. 11 people from different clubs attended, including 3 instructors (weight-shift, paramotor, three-axis and gyroplane). Their experience varied widely, from newly qualified pilots to expert instructors.
Taking part in an introductory competition day means, first of all, daring to come and discover an area that is not usual or familiar to you. It means taking the time to talk with other pilots and instructors. It means being willing to question yourself in order to keep improving your piloting and navigation skills. It means leaving the day with an opinion that may confirm your view that "competition is definitely not for you" or, on the contrary, "I have to admit it looks fun; just to see, I'd like to try a regional competition".

Whether or not you go on to compete in microlights after this introductory day is not what matters most. What matters most is having made the effort to come despite preconceptions and received ideas. After that, everyone decides whether to try a small regional competition… or not.

During the day, several aspects are covered:

• Why compete in microlights?
• What motivates pilots to come and compete in microlights?
• Is it dangerous?
• What do the events involve?
• How do I prepare for them?
• What small items of equipment do I need?
• How can I train alone at my own airfield?

The afternoon is an opportunity to prepare different types of navigation using tips and tricks from experienced competitors.

At the end of the day, everyone told us they were pleasantly surprised. Nine of them are thinking of entering the next regional competition to try it out and put into practice what they learned during the introductory day.

Outlook: even though, let us remember, we are a sports federation, microlight competition is not solely about training champions. It has several aims, the main one being to increase pilots' active safety by allowing them to keep improving their flying. All this within a safe framework, with experienced supervisors who support and advise newcomers to competition.

As the introductory days and regional competitions go by, friendships form, along with nerves, fits of laughter, memories and more. In short, a real social network that has nothing to envy in the virtual kind, yet is full of emotion and sharing. Beyond simply bringing pilots together, a competition is about meeting up to play and measure ourselves against one another so that we progress together. There will always be a champion coming out of a competition. That champion would not exist without anyone to compete against. The champion improves thanks to the challengers trying to beat them, and in the end everyone wins as soon as you have progressed in your flying.

©Text and photos: Patricia BÉ