The ABC website is reporting record numbers of Australian aviation enthusiasts are taking to the sky in aircraft costing as much as a family sized sedan.

The ABC website is reporting record numbers of Australian aviation enthusiasts are taking to the sky in aircraft costing as much as a family sized sedan.

Almost 10,000 people in Australia hold a recreational pilot's certificate, taking to the air on one of 3,500 registered microlight and ultralight aircraft.

A recreational pilots certificate allows a person to operate an ultralight or microlight aircraft which are limited to 2 seats and a maximum take off weight of 600 kilograms.  There are approximately 2000 locations around Australia which are suitable for recreational aircraft operations.

There are currently 5 major manufacturers located in Australia.  Aircraft typically cost between $40,000 to $140,000.  Pilots require an appropriate level of training and certification to operate a recreational aircraft.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-28/aviation-enthusiasts-take-to-the-skies-in-record-numbers/5415480 for the full ABC article.