Ultralight Trikes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This unique form of aircraft utilizes weight shift control rather than moveable control surfaces. Pitch and Roll are controlled via a two axis control bar that hangs down in front of the pilot, very much like that found in a hang glider. In addition, "trikes" are powered by internal combustion engines driving multi-blade propellers. Typically, the engine on a trike is found in the rear of the aircraft, known as a "pusher" configuration. This is different from most conventional airplanes, which have propellers in the front, known as a "tractor" configuration.
Trikes are known as "microlights" in Europe and have been extremely popular since the 1980's. In the United States, the popular name for these aircraft is "ultralight trikes". An even lighter version are the foot-launched powered hang gliders (FLPHG) or nanolights.
Due to their relatively low cost, ability to take off and land in very short distances, as well as their ability to fly in somewhat turbulent conditions, trikes have become very popular with adventurous pilots. In particular, trikes have been used to fly across oceans, frozen tundra, barren deserts, and even into backyard landing strips. Regulations in the United States dictate where and how these aircraft must fly, especially with regard to avoiding flight over congested or populated areas. Nevertheless, trikes remain extremely popular with those living in urban areas as well, due to their extremely portable nature and rapid assembly time. Most trikes may be transported on a very small trailer, stored in a standard garage, and assembled for flight in less than thirty minutes.
There are many popular websites on the Internet featuring videos of trikes in flight, along with photos, how-to articles, and discussion forums.
