History of microlighting

Once upon a time... The birth of a new kind of aviation

Long ago, in the early 70s, "free flight" appeared in France.
In the exclusive form of the "hang glider", more commonly called the "delta" or "delta wing" today, it was practised almost exclusively on high ground: hills, mountains, dunes...
Regulations as light as possible allowed enthusiasts to enjoy this aeronautical activity without many constraints.
These flying machines have no engine, and you stay in the air by making clever use of rising air currents.
It is very exhilarating, but it can become rather tiresome fairly quickly... So small engines were soon added to our machines.

From hang glider to microlight
For the State, adding an engine was a problem, since we had in effect become aeroplanes.
There was then a legal vacuum concerning very light aeroplanes, which allowed microlights to develop.
In 1982 the first regulatory text appeared, philosophically close to what was happening in free flight. It set out the conditions for becoming a pilot: all you had to do was pass a
theory exam! At the same time, a band of enthusiasts founded the FFPLUM so that the interests of all could be defended through the energy of a few! Of course, over the years the law has not become heavier, but has adapted to the realities of technical developments and the growing number of aircraft in circulation.
Once upon a time...The birth of a new kind of aviation
That is how the Ultralight Motorised aircraft, or "ULM", was born.
A difficult childhood for the microlight
A start with too much media coverage, and above all badly handled, did a great deal of harm to the image of the microlight. The first Grand Prix de France, organised in 1983 and attended by many television stars, was the scene of several serious accidents which the media quickly seized upon.
It must be remembered that at that time the aircraft were generally less refined than today. That does not mean they were any more dangerous,
but simply that their capabilities were more limited.
In the general euphoria of aviation "without constraints", these limitations were forgotten rather too quickly, flying a microlight was likened to a bicycle ride, and the weather and aerological
constraints were magnificently ignored... And so the first Grand Prix de France brought growth to a sudden halt. On the 20 o'clock TV news, ULM had become "Ultralégers Mortels" (deadly ultralights).

A return to common sense, a factor in the "sustainable development" of microlight flying
It is a great pity that the media still often give an image that no longer matches today's reality.
Because since those difficult times, it has been understood that aviation cannot be improvised, whatever its form.

The regulations have evolved, gradually and very sensibly, to take account of the new possibilities offered by current technology, while leaving responsibility for flying with the pilot.

Pilot training has been rationalised and structured to take account of the lessons learned from all aeronautical disciplines.

Aircraft have gained in reliability, performance and flying qualities, allowing easier and safer flying.
So today thousands of enthusiasts in France and around the world fly "ultralights" and, through their adult attitude and calm behaviour, have succeeded in giving this fully fledged aeronautical activity an honest and mature image.

Flying microlights means being passionate, free, responsible...
A microlight is not just a class of aircraft defined by regulatory limits; it is much more than that:
It is the chance to take to the air without needless constraints
It is the chance to own your own aircraft for a budget comparable to that of a car
It is the chance to travel, even far afield
It is the certainty of enjoying yourself on every flight
It is the certainty of meeting fascinating people, because they are passionate
It is being responsible for your aircraft, for your flights and for your attitude.

So what are you waiting for?!...