Microlight and light aircraft: what's the regulatory difference
In Europe, the microlight (ULM, "Ultra-Léger Motorisé") and the certified light aircraft (often classified CS-23 or the older JAR-VLA) answer to two distinct regulatory frameworks. The microlight is governed by national rules (in France, the decree of 23 September 1998 and its subsequent revisions), with a maximum take-off weight capped according to the class (generally around 450 to 600 kg empty depending on the number of seats and the type). The certified light aircraft, on the other hand, falls under EASA European regulation, with a much heavier type-certification process on the manufacturer's side.
In practical terms for a future owner, this difference translates into lighter registration formalities on the microlight side (registration in a dedicated class, no individual certificate of airworthiness required in every country) and into more formalised maintenance and continuing-airworthiness requirements on the certified aircraft side.
Licence and training: BPU/BPI vs PPL
This is often the deciding factor for getting started. The microlight licence (BPU in France, national equivalents elsewhere) is generally obtained within a few months, with a lower minimum number of flying hours than for a standard private pilot licence, and without as demanding an aeromedical examination (a simple self-assessment or a lighter medical certificate is enough in several countries). The PPL (Private Pilot Licence), harmonised at EASA level, requires more flying hours, a fuller theoretical exam and a Class 2 medical examination issued by an approved centre.
Purchase and running budget
At purchase, a used microlight in good condition is often found in a much more accessible price range than an equivalent certified light aircraft, partly because the airframe, avionics and mechanics meet manufacturing standards that are cheaper to produce and certify. A certified light aircraft (a typical four-seat single-engine type) involves a higher acquisition and running budget, partly linked to the cost of certified spare parts and the mandatory annual inspection (Part-M / Part-ML in Europe).
| Criterion | Microlight | Certified light aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | National licence (a few months) | EASA PPL (several months to 1 year) |
| Medical examination | Lighter, depending on country | Class 2 (approved centre) |
| Maintenance | Often simpler, lower parts costs | Part-M/ML, certified parts |
| Use | Leisure, circuit flying, local | Travel, IFR possible depending on equipment |
| Resale | Active market for recent models | Wider market, better international liquidity |
Which use for which option
The microlight suits local leisure flying well: circuit flying, trips around the airfield, discovery flights. Privileges are generally limited in payload, speed and sometimes weather conditions (day VFR only for most microlight licences). The certified light aircraft, on the other hand, opens the way to broader use: travel over longer distances, the possibility of progressing to IFR (instrument flying) with the appropriate rating, and broader access to controlled airfields depending on the country.
- Local leisure flying, controlled budget: the microlight often meets the need well.
- Regular travel plans or ambitions for further ratings (IFR, multi-engine): the certified aircraft keeps the advantage.
- Resale in the medium term: the certified aircraft market remains broader internationally.
Buying second-hand: what changes
On the second-hand market, the points of attention are not the same. For a microlight, attention mainly focuses on the condition of the airframe (fabric or composite), the maintenance logbook kept by the owner (often less formalised than a standard airworthiness logbook) and engine history. For a certified light aircraft, the pre-purchase inspection follows a more structured framework: airframe and engine hours before TBO, compliance with airworthiness directives (AD), history of Part-M/ML inspections and consistency of the logbooks.
How to decide based on your profile
The choice depends above all on your overall budget (purchase + training + annual maintenance), your planned flying frequency and your medium-term ambitions. A tight budget and occasional leisure use naturally point towards the microlight. A plan for regular travel, the wish to progress towards further ratings, or easier international resale all favour the certified light aircraft. In both cases, comparing several real listings before deciding helps align your projected budget with the reality of the market.