Is microlight insurance required in the UK?
While microlight insurance is not legally mandatory for every pilot, it is a critical safeguard for anyone operating a recreational or private aircraft. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) strongly recommends having at least public liability cover, and most airfields, schools, and flying clubs will not allow take-offs without proof of insurance.
Having a solid insurance policy means you’re financially protected if your aircraft damages another plane, hangar, or property, or if an accident causes injury to another person. These costs can quickly reach thousands of pounds, even from minor incidents.
At Assure Ton Sport, our aviation protection plans go beyond basic requirements — offering cover for medical expenses, repatriation, pilot injury, and equipment repair. We also include optional coverage for training flights and passenger liability, giving you complete peace of mind wherever you operate. For any pilot who values security, having insurance is not just an option — it’s an essential part of responsible aviation.
Which types of aircraft can be insured?
We provide protection for a broad range of light aviation models, reflecting the diversity of recreational flight across the UK and Europe. Our policies cover fixed-wing microlights, weight-shift trikes, paramotors, autogyros,
powered parachutes, and light helicopters.
Each aircraft type has distinct design features — such as engine size, propeller power, and maximum take-off weight — and we adapt the insurance to match these technical details. For instance, a two-seat trike used for instruction may need liability and passenger coverage, while a single-seat paramotor might focus more on personal injury and equipment damage.
We also cover custom or self-assembled models, provided they meet CAA and European aviation standards. This flexibility allows both hobbyists and certified pilots to protect their equipment, regardless of whether it’s factory-produced or individually constructed. Assure Ton Sport’s expertise ensures that every owner receives a policy suited to their machine and flying style.
Are weather-related or mechanical incidents covered?
Yes — these are among the most common risks in recreational aviation. Sudden weather shifts, turbulence, or strong crosswinds can cause control difficulties, while engine faults, propeller damage, or electrical
failures may lead to emergency landings.
Our insurance covers accidents caused by environmental or mechanical factors, including pilot evacuation, aircraft recovery, and repair costs. You’ll also be covered for injuries sustained during take-off or landing, as well as medical treatment following a forced descent or collision.
Many general insurance plans exclude these scenarios, but at
Assure Ton Sport, we’ve developed a specialised policy for aviation enthusiasts. We collaborate with experienced technicians and rescue partners to ensure quick response times and minimal disruption. So whether you’re caught in a weather front or dealing with an unexpected technical fault, your safety and financial protection are always our top priorities.
Am I covered during training sessions or instruction flights?
Yes.
Whether you’re a student pilot learning to operate a microlight or an instructor guiding others through advanced manoeuvres, our policies offer protection during lessons, practice sessions, and official certification courses.
Training can involve repeated take-offs, landings, and engine adjustments — all of which increase the chance of minor incidents or mechanical stress. Our coverage includes medical assistance, liability protection, and equipment repair for both trainees and instructors.
If you’re teaching professionally, you can also add professional indemnity and loss-of-licence cover to protect against income loss due to unforeseen injury or grounding. This combination of flexibility and precision
makes Assure Ton Sport the preferred partner for aviation schools and instructors across the UK and Europe.
Can I operate abroad with my current policy?
Yes, absolutely. Our insurance extends across most European countries and selected international airspaces, allowing you to take part in aeronautical rallies, air festivals, and touring events abroad.
If you’re travelling for leisure or competition, your cover remains valid for pilot injury, damage to your aircraft, third-party liability, and repatriation. Should an incident occur overseas, our international assistance team coordinates with local authorities and hospitals to ensure rapid response and medical care.
We also include logistical support for the transportation of your aircraft back to the UK if repairs are required. For frequent travellers or cross-border pilots, optional extensions can include non-European zones, making it ideal for those exploring new skies.
What safety standards must be met before operating a microlight in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, all light aviation machines must comply with the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) regulations to ensure airworthiness and pilot safety. This includes regular maintenance checks, propeller inspections, control surface assessments, and engine performance tests. Pilots are also required to maintain a valid Permit to Fly and keep a record of every inspection or
modification made to their ULM.
We encourage all operators to partner with approved maintenance engineers and follow the manufacturer’s servicing intervals. Proper inspection not only extends the lifespan of your ULM but can also reduce insurance premiums, as well-maintained equipment presents a lower risk of breakdown or malfunction.
We also recommend completing refresher courses in
aeronautical safety and weather interpretation, especially for pilots who operate in changing seasonal conditions. A reliable aircraft, combined with an experienced pilot and an effective insurance policy, ensures that every take-off and landing is handled with the highest level of safety.