Some have hinted on it, but I would take some time and really think about doing a NPPL on fixed wing microlight.
Plus points are:
1. You can get a licence in 25 hours (most people do it in 30).
2. The theory is a lot simpler.
3. Lessons are cheaper.
4. You can buy a fixed wing microlight from £3500! And if you train in your own aircraft the lessons are usually £45 per hour.
5. You can buy into schemes where for a small cash investment, you can hire a decent 4 stroke microlight for £30 per hour wet!
6. You can fold the wings up, put it on a trailer and keep it at home, or pay less for hangerage.
7. Running cost is small (I use 14lph in the cruise at maximum weight).
8. Landing fees are cheaper (Sandown is £6).
9. Modern Microlights can cruise at 140kts, and have more room than a 152.
10. You can maintain it yourself.
Negative points:
1. Microlights can only take 2 people.
2. You are restricted to Daytime VFR flying.
3. Weight can be an issue in some Microlights (my Rans S6 can carry 30 stone of occupants and 3 hours of fuel).
4. As it's a permit aircraft (and an NPPL-M licence ), you will need to get written permission to fly abroad (I’m off to Africa next year).
Running costs based on my Rans S6ES 582.
Fuel/oil = £14 per hour.
Permit = £180 PA
Insurance = £622 PA
Maintenance = average £130 PA
Costs of keeping it at a small strip can range between £30 - £150 per month.
So for £6,000 you could have a licence and your own plane! It might not be the prettiest or fastest thing at the airfield, but it gets you in the air, and really thats all that matters
Rans,
www.FlightForLife.co.uk