Flex-wing Microlights

The two types of microlight

Learn to Fly specializes in 'flex-wing', or 'weight shift' microlights, which are in simple terms a beefy 'hang glider wing' or "Flexwing" with a trike unit suspended underneath.

They evolved in the 1980s from motorizing hang gliders, and have become superb flying machines in their own right.

The second type of microlight is commonly called a 3-axis microlight in the UK, often called an Ultralight in many other countries. The controls are the same as with conventional planes, where the pilot controls direction through the use of ailerons and rudder, and airspeed with the elevator.

The enclosed space is far warmer than an open cockpit and tends to suit the more 'GA-orientated' pilot, and is certainly less strenuous than weight-shift microlighting.

 

So... How do 'flex wing' microlights work?

A Flex-Wing Microlight is controlled in a similar way to a hang glider, using weight shift control - where the pilot maneuvers the craft around its hang point.

Simply put ‘airspeed’ is controlled using the bar (forward/back) whilst directional control is achived through the lateral movement of the bar, left and right, just as it is with a hang glider. The application of ‘power’ controls the height you fly at.

Cruising speed on a typical modern microlight can range from 55mph to 70-80mph. The latest QuikR's can sit comfortably at 100mph in straight and level flight.

A flex wing flies at something called Hands Off Trim, and that means what it says. You don't need to be holding on to fly 'straight and level.'

Flying a Flexwing is well within most people's capabilities... What are you waiting for?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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