Microlighting

Microlight flight: everything you need to know for your first flight

The karting of the air. That's the feeling you get the first time you fly an ultralight. The incredible sensation of "feeling" the air is unique, a sensation that differs from flying in a helicopter or plane.

Much like a parachute jump, a microlight flight is a moment you'll remember forever!

What is a microlight?

A microlight is a motorized ultralight aircraft. It is an aircraft equipped with an engine that meets certain criteria in terms of maximum weight and power.

National jurisdictions define the conditions under which gliders may be used. They are much freer than those governing the use of light aircraft. The pilot's license is also specific and relatively easy to obtain.

The majority of microlights can take off and land over short distances on a grass runway. Experienced aircraft pilots are not required to take off and land at an airfield.

The different types

In France, six different ULM classes are recognized.

Class 1: paramotors

Self-propelled aircraft powered by a flexible canopy, similar to a parachute.

Class 2: hang gliders

Monomotor with a flexible canopy that supports a motorized cart.

Class 3: multi-axes

Supported by a fixed wing

Class 4: gyrocopters

It has a maximum power of 75 kW (single-seater) or 90 kW (two-seater). The rotor load of a gyrocopter at maximum load is between 4.5 and 12 kg-m-2.

Class 5: light dirigible aerostats

Maximum power is identical to that of Class 4.

Class 6: ultralight helicopters

A single-engine helicopter with maximum power less than or equal to 80 kW (single-seater) or 100 kW (two-seaters).

The maximum weight of all these aircraft is 300 kg for single-seaters and 450 kg for two-seaters. They are increased by 5% if the aircraft is fitted with a reserve parachute, and by 10% if it is equipped with floats.

How does a microlight flight work?

Ultralight clubs offer 2 types of flights:

• Tourist flights: after a briefing by the pilot, you set off to discover a region from the air. Flight times vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
• Initiation to piloting: after a briefing on the aircraft and safety rules, you'll be at the controls of the plane. The pilot's license to fly a light aircraft is easily obtained once you've acquired your pilot's license.

Where to go ultralight flying in France? Our selection of the best spots

The Mont Saint-Michel

Discover a microlight flight at Mont-Saint-Michel, the famous abbey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Departing from Avranches airfield, you can observe the bay from the sky, and some routes offer views of Cancale, Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast.

Near Mont-Saint-Michel, we recommend a microlight flight to Dinard for an exceptional view of Saint-Lunaire, Saint-Briac and the Breton coast. It's the ideal place to try out microlight flying in Brittany.

The Bassin d'Arcachon

Discover a microlight flight over the Arcachon Basin. You'll be able to observe the wonders of this basin, including Cap Ferret and its famous lighthouse, Dune du Pyla, Île aux Oiseaux and Banc d'Arguin. Flights depart from La Teste-de-Buch.

The Paris region

Many FFPLUM-affiliated schools offer microlight flights in the Île-de-France region around Paris. In particular, you can try out paramotor microlighting near Fontainebleau or around Meaux in the Seine-et-Marne region. Ideal for Parisians.

The Gorges du Verdon

Les Gorges du Verdon: an exceptional spot in France, with turquoise waters and a view of Lake Sainte-Croix. Several flights are available from Barrême. Flights from 20 minutes to 1 hour are available to discover the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence during a baptism of the air.

Loire Valley Castles

Les Châteaux de la Loire is certainly one of the most suitable spots for a microlight flight. You'll be able to discover the Valley of the Kings from the air, and see the château from a whole new angle. You can fly over Chenonceau, Saumur or the Château d'Amboise. Ideal for rediscovering France's heritage.

Calanques marseillaises

Les Calanques Marseillaise is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in France for a microlight flight. You can fly over the Côte d'Azur and its famous villages such as Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime and Bandol.

In the Mediterranean, you can also try out a Hydro microlight flight from Bastia in Corsica. A superb way to fly over the Isle of Beauty.

A ULM flight is a superb activity to experience or to offer as a gift to a loved one, a lover of beautiful landscapes!