Aero-Linx!

Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this is done on the Internet.

The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile.

Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well.

British Microlight Aircraft Association 

The British Microlight Aircraft Association looks after the interests of microlight owners in the UK. It is an organization approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and has powers delegated to it to control training and airworthiness. Its aims are to further the sport of microlight aviation, keep flying costs down to a minimum for its members and to represent them in national and international matters relating to our sport.

The BMAA is the Royal Aero Club's nominated delegate in all matters related to microlight aviation to the Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) which controls all aviation sporting activities worldwide and to Europe Airsports which defends the interests of sport aviation in Europe

A permanent staff, headed by a Chief Executive and based in Deddington in Oxfordshire, take care of the day to day running of the association. Its activities are steered by a voluntary Council, members of which are elected for three year terms at annual General meetings.

The BMAA organizes an annual Trade Show for its members which runs alongside the AGM. The BMAA publishes Microlight Flying, a bi-monthly magazine covering most of the important aspects of flying and operating microlights, including competition news, flight reports, technical articles, and a classified section where members can advertise. A National Championship series of competitions is organized every year by the association; many pilots participate simply for the fun of it and to improve their pilot skills at the same time; top performing pilots are selected to represent the UK in European and World Championships.

Over the last 10 years the UK team has been remarkably successful at the highest level. You can read of some of our successes in our History of Microlight Aviation section. There are a large number of BMAA recognized clubs throughout the UK which organize both national and local flying and social events, helping to keep everyone in touch with their favorite pastime - Flying Microlights! The best way to find out more about the sport is to call the secretary of your local club and go along to their next meeting. Who knows, someone might offer you a ride!

FMI: www.bmaa.org