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General
Information
Trial Instructional Flights (TIFs) currently cost $220.00 (incl.GST) and you spend about 48 minutes flying the aircraft using dual controls with the your Instructor. As much of this as possible is "hands on" time so you can experience how easy these aircraft are to fly. Your first flight is done in the rear seat, but all subsequent training flights have the student pilot flying from the front-seat. The Centre is currently flying an Airborne XT-912 microlight aircraft, fitted with the Cruze wing and the Tundra tyre-option. This is a great aircraft to fly as you will experience on your first flight.If you want to bring a camera and take photographs from the trike, that's fine too! It's a huge amount of fun, and you will learn a great deal about this form of sport aviation and why it appeals to so many people. Microlights ("trikes") cost from as little as $30,000 for a very basic model with a 2-stroke engine to a little over $75,000 for the top-of-the-range 4-stroke model. The latest wing from Airborne Windsports is the "topless' wing (the Streak SST), which has no Kingpost and makes it a lot easier to get in and out of hangars, but this wing is only approved for the 4-stroke machine. All the trikes we operate and sell are certified two-seaters, factory-built and type-approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. More information on the current range and prices of trikes can be obtained from either the Sydney Microlight Centre (we are a factory sales agent) or direct from Airborne. Licensing requirements are a minimum of 20 hours flight experience, both under instruction and including 5 hours of solo-flying, to gain a Weightshift Microlight Pilot Certificate (WMPC). There is also a theory component, and two examinations which must be passed prior to gaining the WMPC. Minimum age to commence training is 14 years, but you must be 15 years or older to fly solo. There is no maximum age, but older pilots, especially those in their senior years, will need to ensure their state of health is sufficient to undertake training in an aircraft which can, in unexpected turbulence, become a little "physical" at times. A good command of English is necessary to pass the exams, and to be competent on the aircraft radio. If you have previous hang-gliding experience then up to 10 hours training can be waived. Unfortunately, previous 3-axis flight experience isn't credited towards your microlight training-time. The medical requirements for WMPC pilots are a standard of fitness required to hold a driver's licence, which is far less rigorous than is required in general aviation. However, for your own safety, we ask that student pilots with medical conditions which may affect their ability to fly notify the instructor so he can evaluate each case on its merits. We want you to learn to fly, but we are very safety-conscious at the same time. Hourly training-rates and other information relating to costs can be found on the "Prices" section of the website. Please also note the two-seat microlights we are operating are certified to carry up to 100Kg per seat maximum. Microlights can fly anywhere outside controlled
airspace and normally up to 5,000 feet, which means you can fly over 99% of
Details on accommodation in the area, should you require this, are available from http://www.travelaustralia.com.au/accom_lists/re_2080_list.html The SydneyMicrolight Centre operates most days, weather permitting. The first
step is to phone 0428 420310 and book a Trial Instructional Flight!
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