FAQs

-What is a Trike?

Our Trike is an Airbrone XT-912. Manufactured in Australia, this airplane is the ultimate scenic explorer. It looks like something from Mario Kart with a 2 seat carriage - a front seat for the pilot and a back seat for the passenger, A mast connects the carriage to the Arrow Wing (a high performance hang glider) which rests above the carriage. 

-Do I need any experience?

Your flight will be accompanied by an FAA certified instructor, so you can sit back and relax knowing you’re in capable hands. No experience is necessary to fly the aircraft, but the instructor is there to teach you the basics of flying a weight shift aircraft.

-Are the pilots certified?

Yes. All UltraFlight pilots hold a current FAA Certified Flight Instructor License.

-Is there an age limit

Ages 10 and up are welcome to fly with us. Parents must be present to sign a waiver for children under the age of 18. Participants must be mature enough to remain seated and follow simple instructions. The certified flight instructor will ensure all participants are properly secured with a waist belt and shoulder strap and have the physical ability to fly the trike. For older participants and those with disabilities, the main requirement is to be able to hold your body in an upright seated position during flight.

-Is there a weight limit?

Maximum passenger weight 240lbs due to a maximum load restriction on the wing. We are firm on our weight limit policy. Participants will be weighed before takeoff to ensure the aircraft is within specified limits. 

-How many people can go at a time?

This unique flying experience is a special one on one lesson between you and your instructor. If you have family or friends waiting, they can enjoy the vineyard, cotton gin, or many nearby attractions.

-What should I wear?

Check the weather and dress appropriately. It is always colder in the air than on the ground. We will have flight suits available, but passengers are encouraged to wear their own jackets ect to ensure a comfortable fit. Please make sure clothing is not exceptionally loose and all pockets are empty or zipped up. The pilot will cover all of this in the preflight briefing.

-Is the equipment certified?

Yes. The trike holds an S-LSA certification permitting its use as a 2 place aircraft for discovery tours and lessons. The aircraft holds a current annual certification and receives scheduled maintenance and inspections every 100 hours of operation.

-Is it safe?

Aviation has inherent and unavoidable risks. UltraFlight OBX is proud to maintain a 100% safety record. Flying with a flight instructor is the safest way you can experience flight. Our instructors will use their skills and expertise to make sure you always have a safe and enjoyable experience.

-What happens if the engine quits?

The Trike is a powered hang glider. It is designed to glide with or without power. 

- Is there in-flight communication?

Yes. Participants can talk with the instructor through a two-way intercom system built into our helmets for safety and ease of communication. A couple of hand signals will be discussed in a preflight brief in the unlikely case of a radio malfunction.

-What about the weather?

When flying, weather always plays a big role in whether we are able to take to the sky.  Local forecasts and up to date weather observations are always taken into consideration. If for any reason we can not conduct our flight due to weather, we are happy to reschedule for another day.  We suggest booking your flight earlier in your vacation than later to accommodate any possibility of inclimate weather. If rescheduling is not a possibility we will issue a full refund.

-Can I bring a camera onboard the flight?

Unfortunately no. The trike is a push prop aircraft meaning the propeller is behind the passenger seat. If dropped, unsecured items including phones, cameras, keys and sandals may impact the propeller with potentially catastrophic consequences. To be 100 percent safe, we ask that these items be left on the ground or securely stashed away. We do sell pictures and video of the flight for an additional charge using an approved camera, mount, and safety leash.

Is there a picture or video package of my experience?

Yes. For an additional charge participants may purchase film or photos from a GoPro camera. Our camera is mounted safely to the wing with a safety line to avoid mishaps. Ask your flight instructor for sample footage and details on the film package.