The thrill of microlight flying

The Island Microlight Club has just acquired its fifth airplane, giving its members more opportunities to enjoy this unique experience of flying.

Microlights are very small single- or two-seater, single-engined aircraft which when fully loaded, wiegh not more than 450kg.

There are now eight microlights in Malta, three owned by individuals who are not members of the club. Aircraft cost under Lm10,000 each.

The sight of one of the tiny microlights parked near other light aircraft in park one at the airport made my heart miss a beat last week.

"Surely, we will not fly in that," I said to myself.

The cockpit area, with two tiny seats next to each other, is much smaller than a Mini Minor's.

"This is it," Major Alex Dalli said. "You're not afraid to fly are you?" he asked as he went through pre-flight checks.

"It is very smooth and easy to fly. You'll enjoy the ride," he said.

It was a strange sensation to sit in such a small plane, listening to the weather forecast while waiting to be given air traffic control clearance to taxi after an airliner took off.

The go-ahead given, Major Dalli revved up the engine and before I knew it, we were in the air.

The countryside and built-up areas rolled under us as we flew at about 700 feet.

"We do this for a hobby and just aim to recoup costs. Many come to fly for an hour to enjoy the experience. Others join the club to learn to fly. Some come to take photos from the air," he said.

The aircraft is very agile and manoeuvrable. Major Dalli took it through a 60 degree turn. It made me recall WWII accounts of Spitfires chasing Stukas over Grand Harbour.

"Let me show you what it can do," he said, putting the plane into a dive, and pulling it up again.

"No other aircraft would do that as smoothly," he said.

Microlight aviation in Malta took off in 1999 when two young Maltese army pilots, Major Dalli and Captain Mark Said, AFM formed the Island Microlight Club (IMC).

"We wanted to bring an affordable and safe flying solution to aspiring pilots," Major Dalli said.

The club is now about to erect a hangar for its aircraft at Luqa to transfer them from Hal-Far.

The club is supported by a former RAF engineer and has over 25 members who fly regularly. Members come from all walks of life, from bankers to doctors and university students.

The first batch of seven student pilots earned their wings in March, 2002. The second class of six students are at an advanced training stage and will take their General Flying Test shortly.

The third batch, including the first woman student, is fast catching up and the students are expected to gain their licence in the summer.

"The fine weather gives a lot of flying opportunities, especially during spring and summer when the days are dry and long," Major Dalli said.

The flight is very smooth. Thermals occasionally lift the aircraft, as it flies gently and very silently.

And if take off was smooth, landing was even smoother. I recall far heavier bumps on my bicycle than touching down at Luqa.

"The aircraft is very light, so properly handled, it can land practically anywhere," Major Dalli said.