Peter, I am sure this has been discussed over and again but it's a subject I have not yet come to terms with. I'd much love to cross the channel one day - I visited Headcorn driving and it seems a very likeable place! - and many more there must surely be! - but the security discussion leaves me unsure.
Crossing from Cap Gris Nez to Dover, remaining below controlled airspace with my humble microlight, how many minutes will I be needing a raft as plan B, i.e. be unable to glide to the closest beach? Is this short while worth the hassle , the cost, and the extra weight?
And if do carry such a raft in said humble microlight, high-winged, what are the chances for myself and a possible passenger to get the raft out and upside up and inflated and ourselves transferred to it before the ship flounders? Small chance, if any, I should reckon, though periodically repeated training might help.
Until I get this sorted, my long trips will rather be to the East and/or South.