A microlite can take you to Mysore in less than an hour and cost just as little as a car
Since they don’t need a conventional runway, you can fly them almost anywhere
Some Bangaloreans are giving up long drives for flying in their own machines aka microlites. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), microlites are defined as conventional two-seater planes that weigh less than 450 kg and are cleared for recreational flying and training.
Since they were introduced in 2000, the city has close to 50 microlite enthusiasts. Others are located in Coorg, Hassan and Mysore. City-based microlite trainer Javad Hassan travels to Mysore in less than an hour. All that he spends is 10 litres of petrol.
“In Bangalore, microlites are restricted to areas around Jakkur Flying School. There are no such restrictions in Mysore, Mangalore or Coorg,” explains Hassan.
Who can fly?
Flying a microlite requires a licence called PL(M) from the DGCA, which costs Rs 4 lakh. The eligibility criteria is 40 hours of flying experience. Candidates need to undergo a medical test and police verification, explains Hassan. Aero sports centres in Bangalore and Mysore offer 50-hour flying training programmes.
“Pricewise, there is no difference between a car and a microlite. For a good one, prices start at Rs 8 lakh. For those costing less, you do not even require a licence. Currently, close to 20 Bangaloreans own microlites while some prefer to take them on rent,” explains Hassan.
‘They are sheer thrill’
These flying machines do not need a runway. They can take off or land even on a mud track, says an enthusiast.
Powered by petrol, they can take you to a height of 10,000 feet. “Alternatively, you can also fly just a metre above the ground or sea at 110 km/hr, which is more adventurous than flying at a higher altitude,” says Javad Hassan.
source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com / Home> News> City> Story / by Niranjan Kaggere / Monday, March 05th, 2012