Go microlighting from Elstree and you’re well within the M25 making these lessons the closest we’ve got to London! Given it’s proximity to the capital and various TV and film studios in the area it’s little wonder Elstree Aerodrome is a bustling little place. Nestled in a patch of green yet flanked by the built-up areas of Barnet Edgware and Watford this is going to be microlighting North London style with lots to see on the ground and in the air.
There are a lot of winged residents at Elstree. You’ll see dozens of aircraft neatly lined up on the tarmac apron and surrounding grass when you arrive for your microlight lesson. Indeed there are several light aircraft operators flying clubs and aviation service companies based here so there’s always something going on.
And the same can definitely be said for when you’re airborne. You’re on the edge of North London here so if visibility is good you can see the skyscrapers of the City on the horizon. Then there’s Wembley Stadium and Lee Valley Lakes to spot too. And looking further north there’s Luton Airport where those big jets fly.
Elstree is in unrestricted airspace so there’s plenty of sky for everyone to fly in around these parts. Your lesson will be in a modern fixed wing microlight that’s to say it’s one of those that look like a standard light aircraft to the untrained eye. This microlighting school operates the Ikarus C42B and the Flight Design CTSW. Both are stable and excellent for training.
As for who you’ll be flying with in your microlight out of Elstree it’ll be a highly experienced and very patient BMAA (that’s the body that looks after microlight operators in the UK) and CAA qualified instructor. They’ll take time with you before your flight to do a proper ground briefing so you’ll feel fully informed before even stepping out onto the apron.
Once you’re airborne it’s time to get down to the crux of the matter of microlighting in Elstree – learning to fly the aircraft yourself. You’ll be shown how your movements on the controls effect the microlight and practice some basic manoeuvres in the air just like any trainee pilot on the first day of their microlight pilot licence training.
