The history of the NMAI and their ongoing battle with the IAA to facilitate the proper training of both Weightshift and 3-Axis Microlight Pilots in Ireland is a long drawn out saga of more than 20 years and as yet is still unresolved. However the IAA in fairness do recognise the BMAA and UK Syllabus, and will convert a UK NPPL(M) Microlight rating to an Irish Microlight rating for both Weightshift and 3-Axis. This is the route I went down and can highly recommend it. I trained in Kernan Aviation in Tandragee and in 35 hours had my UK NPPL(M). Following this I contacted the NMAI, whom Liased with the IAA and I was legally flying in Ireland with my UK NPPL(M) Validated. A few years later I decided to do a weightshift conversion, which I completed with Gerry Snodden in Newtonards. Gerry Snodden is also a IAA certified Instructor and Examiner. Even though I had over 500 hours of experience flying 3-Axis Microlights I would never ever have for a second considered giving Weightshift a go without proper instruction.
There are also 3-Axis Microlight flying Schools in Abbeyshrule and Sligo which award an Irish Microlight rating, however there are currently no Weightshift Schools in this state.
Visit
http://www.nmai.ie" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for more details. Also look at
http://www.bmaa.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
No my beloved EI-ELV is not for sale. I have a small family and time is a big issue for me at the moment. I used to log between 100 to 200 hours a year a few years ago, now I'm lucky if I break through 40 hours in a year. I sold my Skyranger 912s last summer as it was under utilised and had become a hanger queen. It has been 5 months since I last flew my Pegasus XL 462 and it does not bother me as much as I do not have a fortune invested in it. Next month I shall start flying again and in the mean time I will work on a few jobs to make sure that EI-ELV is fully airworthy and safe for the years flying ahead. Yes it is fully permitted and fully legal as am I.
There are loads of aircraft like mine for sale, check out
http://www.afors.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - Weightshifts such as Pegasus XL's and Q's as well as Flash 2 Alpha's are available from £1,000 to £2,500 depending on their condition.
I wish you the best of luck in your training, please go to a proper training facility, it is amazing fun in a controlled safe environment. And will teach you the skills to enjoy flying for many years to come.
I am unable to attach a pic of my little XL for some reason. No one wants to see you win a Darwin Award.