What is weight-shift-control aircraft?

Weight-shift-control (WSC) aircraft, also known as trikes, are a type of ultralight aircraft that use a hang glider-style wing attached to a frame with a motorized trike undercarriage. The pilot sits on a seat attached to the engine and controls the aircraft by shifting their weight in the seat.

The wing is made of a lightweight material, such as aluminum or carbon fiber, and is supported by a horizontal bar (called an A-frame) and a vertical mast that connects to the trike undercarriage. The trike undercarriage has two main wheels and a smaller tail wheel, which provides steering on the ground.

WSC aircraft are designed to be simple and easy to fly, with minimal cockpit controls. The pilot's weight and body position control the direction and speed of the aircraft, while a hand throttle controls the engine power.

WSC aircraft are popular for recreational flying and are often used for aerial photography, sightseeing, and sport flying. They are also used for some commercial applications such as crop spraying and pipeline inspections.

In the United States, WSC aircraft are classified as ultralight vehicles and do not require a pilot's license, though some training is recommended. In other countries, such as Canada and Australia, a pilot's license is required to operate a WSC aircraft.