Any members here into the "Weight-Shift Control" category of aircraft (also known as trikes)?
Recently read an article about these in EAA Sport Aviation and it has got be really interested in trying it out. Seems like a fun and economical option for recreational aviation. Anybody know of any reputable schools in Vancouver or Vancouver Island who do this type of training?
This article about "Aerotrekking" also got me fantasizing:
Great fun, just make sure your brain makes the switch to "push control away, houses get smaller". I've talked to a few trikers who have had students used to conventional stick/yoke flying who get that confused for a split second. Makes for an exciting moment.
I used to be of the same mindset about these "go-carts of the skies" until recently. In fact, I consider riding motorcycles a "too dangerous" activity too. Mind you, what I think makes motorbikes "too dangerous" is not the motorcycles themselves (although they definately offer less protection than motorcars), but the leeway and consideration other motorists give them.
Then, in my recent research of Trikes I discovered that they have come a long way. Modern ones have rigid construction (+4.0G's or more), land at about 30 mph, have a decent glide ration (about 7:1), and some of the newer ones have ballistic parachutes. The bad part is that, although they can not spin, they can tumble if the aircraft is flown outside of its limitations (whip stall, followed by negative angle of attack) or in severe or extreme turbulence (guaranteed to ruin your day) and should be flown only in calm or light winds. Alas, every type of aircraft has it's side that will come to bite you if you are not careful.
Anyhow, haven't tried it yet. Maybe after my introductory flight I will decide it is not my thing. Greatest challenge, in my case, seems to be finding the time and place to do it!
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“If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it.”
-President Ronald Reagan
Well, that's the thing - these are a great fun to ride in calm conditions. Almost everyone from the trike camp suggests that certain days or time of a day are not good or enjoyable for trikes. Hence comes my "but" - the real life conditions are all over the map, so I personally think that it is more exciting to concentrate on an aircraft that you can use in a wider range of conditions. Keeping the fun there at the same time.
Good group of guys and very active. They've got 3-4 machines as far as I can tell and a fantastic instructor. I'm sure they can set you up with an intro flight and more.
