Practical and theoretical training is carried out with us for the UK NPPL (M). Professional instruction, lesson continuity, weather and structured courses are the most essential ingredients in learning to fly quickly and safely.
Training is available on factory built Quantum 912 weightshift aircraft as well as Cyclone AX2000 with a U.K. CAA qualified instructor. The Quantum 912 is a tandem seat, flexible wing, weightshift controlled microlight and the Cyclone is a 3-axis controlled side-by-side seat high wing monoplane. These aircraft have proved themselves to be of the most popular training aircraft in the world today, being used by the majority of schools in the UK. They are extremely forgiving, having the mild stall characteristics normally associated with lower performance aircraft, yet still producing good cruise speeds, superb handling and very fast climb rates.
In order to offer a personal service, full time intensive courses are strictly limited in numbers and, therefore, it is important to book early to avoid disappointment. Courses normally run from Monday to Friday, with beginner training taking place mainly in the mornings and the late afternoons. Lessons last approximately 1½ – 2 hours
including a minimum of 1 hour’s flying training (taken from engine start to engine stop). Courses can be completed in several stages but remember, if you come back, a certain amount of revision will be required before you can pick up where you left off. The longer you leave it between courses, the more revision will be required.
You can complete your training from start to finish with us even including any tests or examinations by our staff CAA Examiner. You can also start your training here, which will be ‘signed off’ in your logbook by our U.K. CAA Approved Flying Instructors when you leave. You can then complete your training when you go home to your local school. Alternatively, courses can be structured to take into account any previous training that you have completed.
All practical courses include:
Instruction Fees
Pre & Post Flight Briefings
Landing Fees
Use of Aircraft and Equipment: Flying Suits, Helmets, etc all provided
Pilot’s Logbook
NPPL (M) Practical or Theoretical Syllabus
Physical Requirements
Potential pilots can start training at the age of 14 but those aiming to fly solo must be at least 16 years old and to hold a licence they need to be at least 17 years of age.
Student pilots on our courses must be reasonably fit and in good health. In order to fly solo or obtain a licence they must also obtain a Group 1 or 2 Self Declaration Medical Certificate or a JAR FCL Class 1 or Class 2 medical for Group A aircraft or alternatively a LAPL medical certificate. Medical standards required are laid down in the DVLA website.
In order to handle the aircraft safely they must be between 1.50m – 1.93m tall and weigh between 55kg – 110kg when dressed ready to fly in order to fly in a weighshift(flexwing) aircraft and between 55kg – 90kg for a 3-axis(fixed wing) aircraft. Furthermore although weightshift aircraft are exhilarating and immense fun to fly they demand a higher degree of skill and physical strength compared to three axis aircraft.
NPPL (M) Completion Times
There is no time limit for any dual training but ground examinations, solo flying and navigational flight elements must be completed within 24 months of licenc application date.
Some students find it difficult to take the time to complete the NPPL (M) course in one go; therefore, it is possible to split the course into separate phases.
Previous Experience
Those with previous experience but not holding a current licence may be eligible for a reduction in the training requirement for the NPPL (M) – for further contact us or the BMAA directly.
Student pilots who have already received instruction with a qualified flying instructor should bring their pilot’s logbook and, if possible, they should arrange for a copy of their School Student Record to be sent to us. Those students who have experienced slow progress are assured that with the combination of regular flying; good weather; and having a sympathetic, patient and highly experienced instructor will guarantee quicker learning rates.
Additional Lessons
During training you may feel that you would like extra lessons. Depending upon aircraft and instructor availability this may be possible but cannot be guaranteed at the time of the initial booking.
Recommended Course Items:
NPPL (M) Theory Courses
The Microlight Pilots Handbook by Brian Cosgrove – Available from: Pooleys
Notebook, Pens & Pencils.
For cross country flying, a watch ideally with the functionality of a stopwatch/timer.
NPPL (M) Theory Training
Prerequisites:
Can read & speak English. In order to achieve a satisfactory pass mark in the NPPL (M) Ground Examinations a minimum amount of tutoring is required. Each lesson lasts one hour and all courses include study material, test papers, ‘mock’ exams and CAA examination fees. Theory classes are usually held in the early afternoon. Ground school lessons cost £35.00 per hour.
The theory is easy when explained!
NPPL (M) Training
Prerequisites:
Can read &speak English. This training can be conducted with a maximum of three lessons per day and follows the NPPL (M) syllabus. Lessons cost from as little as £105.00 per hour – see our training rates for full details.
Differences/Conversion Training
Prerequisites:
Minimum – NPPL (M) Restricted Licence
The differences/conversion training course is available to qualified pilots who want to convert from 3-axis to weightshift(and vice-versa) and normally requires between 5 and 10 hours training depending on pilot aptitude and skill. Providing the pilot holds a licence then differences training signed off by the instructor is all that is required to be legally entitled to fly a weightshift microlight aircraft.
Insurance
All aircraft are insured to the standard required namely European minimum liability insurance. Students wishing to go solo in our aircraft will be required to pay a Solo Supplement towards the full comprehensive hull cover.
The Solo Supplement charge will be outlined in the booking form or can be found in the ‘Rates & Pricing’ – ‘Training Rates’ section of our website.
How To Book
1. Read the Booking Conditions below.
2. Choose a course to suit your experience and time availability.
3. Contact us via phone or email to check course and accommodation availability.
4. Enquire via email or telephone to initially establish availability.
5. Sign and send the booking form by e-mail, fax or post and pay either a 50% deposit, or the full amount of all fees except car hire(if applicable).
6. Upon receipt you will be sent a final booking confirmation.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Postal address:
Great Western Airsports
8 The Maltings
Bradford-on-Avon
Wiltshire
BA15 2EP
Tel: (+44) 07516 235 000
Email: fly@greatwesternairsports.com
Payment Of Fees
A 50% deposit is payable at time of booking for all courses lasting more than 3 days in duration – this is so that we can guarantee a dedicated instructor during your stay. The balance must be paid into our U.K. bank account atleast 6 weeks prior to full course start date. We are unfortunately unable to accept credit cards.
Upon receipt of either a deposit or full payment you will be sent course enrolment information, further directions to Brown Shutters Airfield and your accommodation confirmation(if required). Car hire payment is due at time of collection if applicable(Credit Cards accepted).
What Next
Those students who have booked the theory course should try to do a little pre course study.
Course/flight Booking Conditions
1. I am medically fit and free from any illness or disability that could affect my safety or the safety of others whilst flying a microlight aircraft, over the age of 14 years old), and within the height (1.50m – 1.93m tall = 4ft 11in & 6ft 4in) and weight ( 45 kg – 110kg = 7st & 17st) limits.
2. I understand and accept that it is my responsibility to obtain and complete the NPPL Declaration Of Medical Fitness To Fly (minimum standard DVLA Group 1) NPPL Medical Declaration Form if I want to fly solo or obtain a licence.
3. I can read, write and understand English.
4. I agree to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking and the balance of all fees either in cash at the start of the course or into the bank account details provided at least six (6) weeks before the start of the course.
5. I understand and accept that deposits are not refundable & that lessons are not transferable in the event of cancelation.
6. I understand and accept that cancellations must be in writing.
7. I understand and accept that in the event of a cancellation in writing before course start date, 75% of the total course fee will be refunded.
8. I understand and accept that non-payment of the balance at the start of the course will be deemed a course cancellation.
9. I understand and accept that if any lessons are unable to be completed due to circumstances beyond the control of the school after course start date and during my course attendance, then I will accept as recompense a 90% refund of outstanding lessons(not accommodation) fees if request for cancellation and refund is made within 12 calendar months of payment date in writing. Air experience flights purchases directly from Great Western Airsports are non-transferable and are valid for 10 months from date of purchase and all air experience flights purchased through 3rd party agents are valid for 10 months from the date they are redeemed and a flight booking date is agreed with Great Western Airsports.
10. I will arrive at the course enrolment time. I understand and accept that late or non-arrival may result in the forfeit of lessons.
11. I will ensure that any prerequisite documentation will be made available at the time of course enrolment.
12. I understand and accept that my eventual level of competence is mainly dependent on my learning ability and no guarantee is implied that I will attain a particular level of flying skill upon completion of any of the courses.
13. I agree to operate the equipment and act under the instructions given to me during the course by the instructor(s).
14. I agree to abide by the Club Rules & Civil Aviation Regulations and I will conduct myself in a responsible and safety conscious manner at all times during the course.
15. I understand that whilst every conceivable effort is made by Brad Wagenhauser trading as Great Western Airsports to reduce all risks to an acceptable level the flying of microlight aircraft can be a dangerous activity even when practised by experienced pilots in perfect weather conditions.
16. Considering that Great Western Airsports operates in England, all matters pertaining to or arising from a booking and the contractual relation between the parties are ruled by British law and will be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the British courts or, if agreed in writing by both parties, to arbitration in England under British arbitration rules.
