In 1988 when I started learning to fly in group A aircraft, microlights seemed virtually non existant in the east of Scotland.
The first task for myself and most of my colleagues on passing the PPL was to convert on to one of the four seaters then train for the IMC and night ratings. It seemed to be the sensible and accepted route but was no more affordable then than it is now.
Nowadays microlights have taken over as the standard recreational tool. No opportunity to get an IMC or night rating, less training in navigation and instrument flying. Dumbed down PPL. Stands back for the flak
.
Hopefully the future will allow IMC and Night in a wider range of suitably equipped aircraft and with it better trained pilots. Hopefully there will be a U turn on some of the unnecessary regulatory burden placed on GA. Hey! Maybe the government will bring back NVQ VAT relief when training for a professional licence.
D.O.