Flight of an ultraligt trike

Ostrów Wlkp. (Poland) 15.06.2022

Flying an ultralight trike had been on my bucket list for quite some time. However, I was worried that it might be very similar to the flight on a powered parachute I had experienced a few years ago. My concerns were greatly exaggerated, as the ultralight trike flight turned out to be an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever.

What is an ultralight trike?

An ultralight trike or paratrike is a type of powered hang glider where flight control is by weight-shift. These aircraft have a fabric flex-wing from which is suspended a tricycle fuselage pod driven by a pusher propeller. The pod accommodates either a solo pilot, or a pilot and a single passenger.

How to organize an ultralight trike flight for a person with disabilities?

I started preparing for the flight by searching for offers that cater to people with disabilities. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any pilot who specializes in flying with disabled individuals. I decided to take a risk and purchased an ultraligt trike flight voucher from one of the many websites offering various gift experiences.

Fearing technical complications with getting into the motorized hang glider's cockpit, I opted for the cheapest offer, in case the flight couldn't happen, so the financial loss would be minimal. After receiving the voucher and contacting the pilot, I informed him that I am disabled and use a wheelchair. His response wasn't overly enthusiastic, but he didn't say he wouldn't fly with me either. I was pleased that everything seemed to be on track, and for a small fee, there was even an option to film my flight using a camera mounted on the hang glider's wing. However, the pilot made it clear that I couldn't expect help getting into the cockpit as he would be alone at the airfield. So, I knew I would have to ask two friends to help me get into the passenger seat of the ultraligt trike.

Placing a person with quadriplegia in the hang glider cockpit

I waited about three weeks for the flight and could hardly wait to finally take to the skies. My first impression when I saw the hang glider was very positive. The aircraft looked solid, modern, and well-maintained. Besides my two friends, people who flew the hang glider before me also helped place me in the cockpit. It wasn't easy, but it didn't take long or feel awkward. The pilot was very helpful with instructions and in adjusting the glider for this specific situation.

After being securely seated in the passenger seat and strapped in with an additional belt provided by my friend, I felt safe and comfortable. I was also given a comfortable helmet with a visor to protect my face from insects and help with breathing at high speeds, which had been an issue for me during my wind tunnel flight experience.

Flight experience in an ultraligt trike

The beginning of the flight was swift, with a rapid acceleration of the hang glider. The engine noise and increasing speed gave a slight adrenaline rush. After a few dozen meters, we lifted off, and I saw breathtaking views of forests, lakes, fields, and meadows. However, what surprised me was the airspeed during the flight, something I didn't experience during the powered paraglider flight, dispelling my concerns about the flights being similar.

The next few minutes of the flight, at about 120 km/h, were very calm, spent enjoying the beautiful views from an altitude of about one and a half kilometers while the pilot explained what we were flying over. I was also delighted to learn that I wasn't the first person with quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, whom this pilot had flown with.

Is it worth trying a motorized hang glider flight?

After 15 minutes, we landed gently and safely. Even though this wasn't my first flight, I was full of euphoria and excitement. I was thrilled to have experienced another unforgettable adventure. Words failed me as I tried to express my joy and describe the sensations I had just experienced. This quarter-hour in the sky will stay with me forever, and I encourage anyone with a disability to try flying. It's very safe and can bring immense positive emotions that are impossible to achieve without taking off from the ground.