Flying machines don't get much more basic than a microlight, and with little more than a wing, an engine and a bathtub-like fuselage. However, the sport is fully regulated by the CAA, and modern microlights are one of the simplest and safest ways to get airborne.

Microlights are defined as powered aircraft which have a maximum take off weight allowed of up to 450 kilograms for two seat models and 300 kilograms for single seat. The wing load at maximum weight must not exceed 25 kilograms per square metre, or if it does the stall speed must be less than 65 kilometres per hour at maximum weight. Within this definition there are many different designs which will fall into one of three categories defined by control system type. These are Weightshift, Three Axis and Hybrid control.

Modern microlights essentially fall into two categories. The weightshift or flexwing type of aircraft has a trike unit suspended under a wing evolved from the hang glider. Control is by using the control bar to shift the weight of the trike (ie the combined mass of the pod, engine and occupants) relative to the wing. The 3-axis type of microlight on the other hand looks like, and some cases will outperform a traditional light aircraft. Both are covered by the basic definition:

"Microlight aeroplane means an aeroplane designed to carry not more than two persons which has:

A: 

• a maximum total weight authorised not exceeding: 300kg for a single seat landplane
• 450kg for a two seat landplane
• 330kg for a single seat amphibian or floatplane, or
• 495kg for a two seat amphibian or floatplane

and
B: either a wing loading at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 25kg per square metre or a stalling speed at the maximum weight authorised not exceeding 35 knots calibrated airspeed"