Notwithstanding my tongue-in-cheek comments on the other thread, I must say I haven't run into any real anti-microlight prejudice. Certainly nothing more than the normal ribbing which goes on between supporters of Cessnas versus Pipers, high-wing versus low-wing, or any of the other tribal allegiences which we like to cling to.
Ever since my microlight was destroyed by the Redhill vandals in April I've been turning up to microlight events in a variety of A Group machines and have had a uniformly friendly welcome.
Equally, my first introduction to the GA club where I subsequently did my JAR PPL was to go along on a fly-out to Mulhouse in my CT. The universal reaction of the other club members was one of genuine interest, especially when they noticed that I was overtaking all of them while using half the fuel.
That same club is now intending to add a microlight to its fleet because so many of the members have expressed an interest in such a relatively cheap and accessible form of flying.
The occasional airfield doesn't allow microlights, though in reality that objection tends to disappear if you're flying a 3-axis machine. In other cases (La Rochelle being one I've tried) a quick fax secures permission.
If there ever were real barriers, I think they're breaking down. Good thing too, since all flyers in the UK face the threat of their airfields being closed, their airspace being further restricted and their wallets being raided by every agency going.
United we stand etc.
I leave you with an image of unity.... my transport to last weekend's mass microlight trip to France...
