Microlight pilot certificate (microlight licence): requirements

Become a pilot

Requirements, ground and flight tests, equivalences and the application to send to the DSAC to obtain the microlight pilot certificate.

The whole Flying section

The pilot certificate

Requirements

To obtain the microlight pilot certificate, whatever the class, you must:

- Be at least 15 years old;

- Hold the common microlight pilot theory certificate, issued by the civil aviation authority. This is a multiple-choice exam (60 questions, 1h30). The tests are taken at FFPLUM exam centres after registering on the platform https://examulm.ffplum.fr/.

- Have passed, with an instructor of the relevant class:

A ground test (check of theoretical knowledge for the microlight class flown).
A flight test (check of procedures and of the ability to fly a microlight safely. It can be done through continuous assessment, or by a specific flight).

These tests are specific to the microlight class chosen. The instructor issues the various certificates that will be required by your DSAC for the issue of the pilot certificate.

The list of FFPLUM-affiliated instructors can be viewed at https://ffplum.fr/la-federation/instructeurs/liste-des-instructeurs-par-departement

Equivalences

The order of 4 May 2000, as amended, sets out in article 2 the conditions for an equivalence to the common microlight pilot theory certificate.

1. Hold a valid aeroplane or helicopter pilot licence issued in accordance with Annex I, Part-FCL, of Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 of 3 November 2011 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew 27 October 2021 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, or a certificate of competence in the theory exam for the issue of one of these licences obtained less than 24 months ago;

2. Hold a valid aeroplane or helicopter pilot licence issued by a state party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, by Switzerland or by the United Kingdom, in accordance with the standards of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 7 December 1944 referred to above.

The certificate

The instruction phase is defined by the new training programme. It is built around a set of theory and practical lessons and, after several solo flights under the supervision of your instructor. Every student is unique, so the duration will be adapted to each person's skills.

The certificate is issued by the DGAC. To obtain it, you will send your DSAC by post an application containing the following documents:

Photocopy of an identity document (passport, national ID card or residence permit). A photocopy of a driving licence is not accepted. If the address on the identity document has changed, write the new address on the photocopy.
The declaration of start of training issued by the training organisation.
A copy of the certificate of competence in the microlight theory tests, or a photocopy of the licence (aeroplane, helicopter) or a copy of the theory certificate (aeroplane, helicopter).
The certificates of success in the specific ground test and in the flight test, which your instructor will have given you after completing and signing them.
Proof of payment of the fee, or a cheque. All the information needed for payment is given here.

You must have this document with you when you fly as pilot in command.

Note: After successfully passing your "common core" theory exam and your specific ground and flight tests, your instructor will give you a certificate allowing you to fly until you receive it.