The club owns three aircraft, which are either available to club members for instruction by qualified MMC instructors or wet hourly rental, at discretion of CFI:
• Xair Hanuman ZK MMC
• Sky Arrow ZK SKO
• Maxair Drifter, ZK XPA
Instruction is available on Sundays, weather permitting. Phone clubroom to check weather and operations if coming from a distance.
Instructors:
• Bill Penman (CFI), 027 240 8500
• John Bolton-Riley, 027 442 9136
• Philip Budding, 027 475 5280
• Ed Evenbly, 027 356 9787
10 steps to becoming a pilot with the Manawatu Microlight Club
1. Arrange a trial flight with the Manawatu Microlight Club. A qualified instructor will take you through the basics and give you an overview of what is required to fly a microlight. Cost: $60.00
2. Join the MMC. Cost: An $80.00 one off fee gives you :
CAA Pilot Log Book
Training Manual
There is also an annual membership fee of $40.00 (prorated)
3. Join the Recreational Aircraft Association of New Zealand (RAANZ). Annual membership fee $70.00 to obtain a Novice Microlight Pilot Licence and get you started.
4. Arrange a medical examination. This is NOT the same medical required for a Private Pilot Licence and your GP will be able to do it. The club will provide you with the appropriate forms.
5. Start your flying lessons.
8 - 10 hours with an instructor should give you enough experience to go solo but this is of course dependent on the individual. Our basic trainer costs $120.00 per hour so count on $1000 - $1200. Note that the hourly rate is for the hire of the aircraft. All our instructors give their time free of charge.
6. Start taking the exams required these are:
FRTO (Radio)
Navigation
Meteorology
Technical
Human factors
Law
These are administered by RAANZ in conjunction with your instructors and there is NO extra cost involved. Do not be daunted by them. There is a wealth of information available on the RAANZ web site and help is always at hand from our instructors.
7. Consolidate your "Solo" status by flying within 10 nautical miles of the aerodrome and also taking more advanced lessons with an instructor.
8. By gradually increasing your experience, passing the required exams and clocking up a minimum of 50 hours flying you will gain your full advanced microlight licence which will enable you and a passenger to fly anywhere in NZ.
9. Shout your instructors a beer (and anyone else hanging around the club room at the time!).
10. Tell your other half that you 're now a fully qualified pilot and can you please buy your own plane. GOOD LUCK!
Some commonly asked questions asked about flying Microlight are
Is it safe? – Absolutely! We have an enviable safety record and the prime focus of instructors and members is on maintaining this.
How far can I fly in a microlight? – ‘First generation’ microlights consisted of an aluminium tube frame covered with fabric. These were often powered with small, 2 Stroke engines,(but, contrary to the popular myth, never lawn mower motors) so their performance was limited. Modern aircraft are often made from carbon fibre, have purpose built engines and a full range of flight instruments so they are capable of sustained, high speed flight. One of our instructors flew to Australia and back in such a machine.
