The six microlight classes

On video

The six classes, in pictures

The federation's video presents the diversity of the six microlight classes.

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The six classes

Put two machines side by side

Choose two classes: power, maximum weights and speed limits, as set by the technical conditions of each class.

Machine A

Max. power single-seat

Max. power two-seat

Max. weight single-seat

Max. weight two-seat

Machine B

Max. power single-seat

Max. power two-seat

Max. weight single-seat

Max. weight two-seat

Technical conditions

Each class, its own sheet

Maximum masses may be increased with a rescue parachute, and for operation on water where the class allows it.

01

Paramotor

The paramotor is driven by a propeller and carried by a flexible paraglider-type wing, which the pilot wears on their back or mounts on a trolley.

Power: ≤ 82 hp single-seat · 102 hp two-seat
Max. weight: ≤ 300 kg single-seat · 450 kg two-seat
Parachute: +15 kg single-seat · +25 kg two-seat
Speed: Minimum flight speed ≤ 65 km/h

02

Weight-shift microlight

The weight-shift microlight is driven by a propeller and carried by a rigid delta-type wing, beneath which a trike is suspended.

Power: ≤ 82 hp single-seat · 102 hp two-seat
Max. weight: ≤ 300 kg single-seat · 450 kg two-seat
Parachute: +15 kg single-seat · +25 kg two-seat
On the water: +30 kg single-seat · +45 kg two-seat
Speed: Minimum flight speed ≤ 65 km/h · stall ≤ 65 km/h

03

Three-axis microlight

The three-axis microlight is flown with the same controls as an aeroplane, on all three axes.

Power: ≤ 88 hp single-seat · 109 hp two-seat
Max. weight: ≤ 330 kg single-seat · 500 kg two-seat
Parachute: +15 kg single-seat · +25 kg two-seat
On the water: +30 kg single-seat · +45 kg two-seat
Speed: Stall speed ≤ 70 km/h

04

Gyroplane

The gyroplane flies thanks to a free rotor driven by the relative wind, while a propeller provides thrust.

Power: ≤ 116 hp single-seat · 143 hp two-seat
Max. weight: ≤ 330 kg single-seat · 500 kg two-seat
Parachute: +15 kg single-seat · +25 kg two-seat
On the water: +30 kg single-seat · +45 kg two-seat
Special feature: Rotor loading at maximum weight: 4,5 to 12 kg/m²

05

Ultralight aerostat

The ultralight aerostat, or microlight balloon, is either a hot-air balloon or an airship, filled with hot air or helium, with a propulsion engine.

Power: ≤ 102 hp single-seat · 122 hp two-seat
Special feature: Helium envelope ≤ 400 m³ · hot-air envelope ≤ 1 200 m³ (900 and 2 000 m³ for airships excluded from Regulation (EU) 2018/1139)

06

Ultralight helicopter

The ultralight helicopter can take off vertically and hover thanks to its powerful rotor mounted above it.

Power: ≤ 116 hp single-seat · 143 hp two-seat
Max. weight: ≤ 330 kg single-seat · 500 kg two-seat
Parachute: +15 kg single-seat · +25 kg two-seat
On the water: +30 kg single-seat · +45 kg two-seat
Special feature: Rotor loading at maximum weight: 8 to 20 kg/m²

What all the classes have in common

A common theory certificate issued by Civil Aviation
Practical training with a declared instructor for the class
A certificate issued by the DGAC, valid for life
A federation licence with aviation third-party liability
Access to microlight airfields and to the 724 affiliated clubs and schools

History of microlighting

Born in the fields, grown into aviation

From the motorised hang glider of the 1970s to the federation of today.

Early 70s
Free flight appears in France, exclusively in the form of the hang glider, flown on high ground. Small engines are soon added.
1982
First regulatory text, close to the philosophy of free flight. At the same time, a band of enthusiasts founded the FFPLUM to defend everyone’s interests.
1983
The first Grand Prix de France is the scene of several serious accidents: a start badly handled by the media that long weighed on the image of the microlight.
Today
The regulations have evolved, training has become more structured, and aircraft have gained in reliability. Around 90% of the fleet is built by professional manufacturers.

Handivol division

Making the sky accessible to all

The Handivol division encourages microlight flying among people with disabilities, supports clubs in welcoming them and offers help and advice to pilots. Long centred on three-axis microlights, “adapted piloting” is widening to include the paramotor trike and the powered aerostat.

Sport and competition

Titles in all six classes

National titles are contested every year under the federation's auspices; the French Team represents the country at championships recognised by the FAI.

Landing accuracy
Navigation and regularity
Paramotor slalom
Combined events

Medical

A certificate, not an aviation medical

First licence, or a break of at least one year: medical certificate of no contraindication (CMNCI) less than one year old, issued by any practising doctor in the European Community or Switzerland.

Renewal: no certificate each time, but the “QS-Sport” health questionnaire (cerfa 15699), which does not need to be returned to the federation.