Soaring above the clouds

For all flying enthusiasts, the pleasure of sports flying and obtaining a licence is now within arms reach. Al Jazira Flying Club in Ras Al Khaimah offers you microlight flying, where you can experience speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour in a safe environment. The club has a registered flying licence and is a member of the United States Ultralight Association.

You have to be 17 years old to start flying and 18 years to obtain a microlight-flying licence. Flights are available on the two-seater planes for Dh 50 for a 15-minute pleasure flight. Lessons are also available, with a full course costing Dhs 4,800. The duration of the course varies, but it can be completed in a month. The course includes 10 ground classes where instructors provide training and briefing before each flight class and Club perks. The Club operates from 9.30am to sunset six days a week and is closed on Saturdays.

The Club is home to four experienced instructors, 80 members and has 15 students undergoing training. The microlight aircrafts have to weigh 450 kgs during take-off. These planes are relatively cheaper to operate and maintain. A used machine can cost around Dh25,000 and a new one Dh70,000. The planes can reach altitudes of 10,000 feet, but UAE Civil Aviation rules allow only 1,400 feet. You cannot do aerobatics in a microlight plane as the plane is open on the sides.

Captain Zaighum Ahsan, chief flying instructor, said: "Microlight flying has a main advantage of the pleasure factor. As it is open on the sides you get the sensation of flying like a bird." He added that despite being open, the planes are very safe and have Plastic Rescue Systems (similar to a parachute).

The Club also offers extra facilities to flying enthusiasts. Hangars can be rented out for a nominal fee for those who have purchased microlight planes of their own. Engineers from the Club have to give a thorough inspection and declare the plane air worthy. The plane also has to be registered with the Department of Civil Aviation. If the pilot has not received a licence from the Club, then he has to undergo minimum training.