Microlight
Kent Scouts own and operate two flexiwing microlight aircraft
Kent Scouts have owned and operated a flexwing aeroplane since 1989.
We offer Scouts and Explorers a unique exciting and exhilarating experience of an unforgettable flight over the Kent countryside and the chance to earn our own special Microlight Badge
Microlighting is one of the purest forms of aviation, guaranteed to bombard the senses and give an amazing introduction to the joys of flight.
Click to read about the history of the Microlight Team and our aircraft.
Sessions for Groups and Units
Microlighting is a minimum half-day group activity. We look for a minimum group size of 10 young people who need to be at least 4’6” tall. The group can include Leaders
Upon arrival at the airfield, group members will receive a safety brief and introduction to the day. During the day there will be a ‘mini-ground school’ session in the hanger where other aircraft are kept, to help earn the Badge.
Before the flight there is a one-on-one briefing including what to expect; instruction on putting on a flying suit and helmet; then how to get into the aircraft. The flight will generally be for 10-15 minutes, climbing several thousand feet and out over west Kent. Depending on conditions passengers may get the opportunity to take the controls and fly the plane.
In turn, each participant will don flying suit and helmet and jump aboard into the passenger seat... before embarking on a 10-15 minute air experience flight, climbing several thousand feet above the fields below.
While on the ground, the young people will be encouraged to assist with ground support activities. There will also be the the opportunity to look around the hangar to see the variety of private aircraft stored within.
Volunteer with us
We have opportunities for Young People to volunteer as Ground Crew as part of the Kent Scouts Microlight Team. You will need to be able to get to the airfield and back on a flying day but will be rewarded with a really fun experience.
Location
We prefer to fly our microlight from its base at Old Hay Airfield near Paddock Wood, Maidstone. Grid ref: TQ695449
In some cases - usually larger events - it may be possible to fly from alternative locations.
Download our Risk Assessment (PDF)
Booking
Make an enquiry using the link below:
Badge resources
To assist in completing the Air Activities Staged Activity Badge's the Microlight team have put together following worksheets which directly support the Air Activities badge requirements:
Air Activities Badge Stage 1
Air Activities Badge Stage 3
- Understand the terms nose, fuselage, tail, wings, port, starboard and tailfin
- Find out about unmanned aircraft, such as drones, and the rules around flying them safely.
- Show how you would get a weather forecast for an air activity.
- Send and receive a simple message using the phonetic alphabet
- Collect photographs or pictures of six aircraft that interest you
Air Activities Badge Stage 4
Air Activities Badge Stage 6
Microlight Badge
Kent Scouts have a unique badge relating to microlight flying. It is normally achieved as part of the experience of attending Old Hay and flying in the Kent Scouts own flexwing aeroplane:
