SPORT
You say flex wing ...
I say fixed wing ...
Visitors to airfields often say they want to learn to fly a microlight .
Then they notice an Icarus C42 that is parked on the apron and they do not believe that it is a microlight .
Novices and airfield visitors can be forgiven for imagining that the term microlight refers to flex wing planes with an open cockpit and a wing developed from a hang glider . They do indeed look like a completely different kettle of fish to a Cessna or Piper . But the term microlight refers to any plane that is under a maximum total weight of 450 kg , and designed for no more than two people .
There are two types of microlight fixed wing , ( also known as a three-axis , or an ultralight ), or flex wing ( sometimes called a weight-shift , or trike ).
In a fixed wing , 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 .
A flex wing is basically a beefy hang glider wing with a trike unit underneath . It is controlled in a similar way to a hang glider , using weight shift - the pilot manoeuvres the craft around its hang point , i . e ., where the wing is joined to the trike unit .
So , what are the pros and cons of each ? The fixed wing microlight has the feel of a conventional aircraft , although because of its weight it tend to be much zippier . It is less physically demanding to fly than a flex wing , and it can be more comfortable both for pilot and passenger . The flex wing however , offers ‘ wind in your hair ’ feeling , and because of the open cockpit , it probably has the best all round visibility of any powered aircraft . Many people describe it as the difference between driving a sports car and a motorbike . Both are fun , but they have a different appeal .
The other key difference is how the weather effects flying . The fixed wing is a little more resilient in windy or rainy conditions . Unsurprisingly , it is significantly warmer ! Flying flex wing during the winter is not for the faint hearted , although if you wrap up warm , and plug in your electrically heated clothing , then sunny , still winter days can be a real joy .
And of course , price is a key factor when choosing to learn to fly or buy a plane . Flex wings on average are much more affordable than fixed wing .
So , best thing to do if you are not sure is take a trial flight in both .
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