Become a pilotThe microlight pilot certificate
Not a number of hours, a level to reach
Be at least 15 years old, pass the common theory exam, then fly with an instructor of your chosen class.
The microlight pilot certificate
Your flight plan, step by step
Tick what you have done: the flight path climbs with you. Your progress stays in this browser.
Try
An introductory flight at an affiliated club, in the class that appeals to you. That is where you choose, not from a comparison table.
Fly with an instructor
There is no regulatory minimum number of hours: there is a level to reach. Every student is different, and the duration is adapted to each one.
Pass the theory exam
A 60-question multiple-choice test in 1 h 30, administered by the Civil Aviation authority. It is generally prepared during practical training and must be passed before the certificate test. You only take it once, whatever class you then aim for.
Send your file
The instructor draws up the certificates required by your home DSAC. While you wait for your certificate to arrive, their attestation allows you to fly.
Receive your certificate
You must hold the certificate whenever you fly as pilot in command. It is valid for life.
Keep learning
Carrying passengers, adding a class, radio qualification, mountain or seaplane flying, returning to flying after a break: training goes on.
Equivalences. The amended order of 4 May 2000 sets the conditions for equivalence of the theory certificate: holders of a valid aeroplane or helicopter pilot licence (Part-FCL, or issued by an EEA state, Switzerland or the United Kingdom), or of a certificate of aptitude of less than 24 months for the corresponding theory exam.
First time
Thirty minutes is enough to understand
The introductory flight, often called a first flight, is a first flight alongside an experienced pilot, at a club or school affiliated to the federation.
- A first flight, no commitmentYou sit in the passenger seat, beside an experienced pilot. No prior knowledge is needed.
- In the class that appeals to youParamotor, weight-shift, three-axis, gyroplane: each club or school offers the machines it operates.
- Terms set by the club or schoolThe duration, price and arrangements of the flight are set by the club or school that welcomes you.
- What next?It is often the first step towards training: you then prepare for the certificate with an instructor.
Youth pathway
Under 25? The federation is behind you
The Youth Pathway supports under-25s in ab initio training, under a partnership between FFPLUM and the affiliated club or school. Training must be delivered by an FFPLUM-licensed instructor. Activated on 1 December 2025.
Does not apply to an aeroplane-to-microlight conversion or to training for a new class.
Aid paid at each stage completed
That is €550 over the full pathway, and €700 with the BIA.
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1 106 instructors, 724 affiliated clubs and schools
Training takes place at an affiliated club or school, with an instructor of your chosen class.
- 01An instructor qualified for the class you have chosen
- 02Structured progress, from the first flight to the first solo
- 03The common theory exam, to be taken only once
- 04The certificate, once the required level is reached
Aeronautical Introduction Certificate (BIA)
The BIA prepares students for aviation careers and activities. Students working towards it can experience real microlight flying at an affiliated club with an instructor.
Flying
The whole section
The six classes, the certificate, the licence, the regulations and the federation's schemes.
Federation support
They support the federation
All our partners
