Turbulence in a Microlight Trike

Working my way toward going solo in a microlight trike, I'm doing circuits at Rangiora airfield, Christchurch, New Zealand. On this particular day there was no wind on the ground and conditions seemed perfect. Unknown to me the wind had just turned northwest 100 feet up and I was about to encounter unexpected turbulence soon after take off. Take note of the crab like position of the trike as it goes downwind as well as the slow ground speed on finals where I only achieved real forward momentum once I reduced altitude. I do 3 circuits before calling it quits.

[@timevans815]

That folks is just how it is to fly a weight shift trike, the fact that its extra bumpy makes it all the more real for the viewers. Your handling and landings were excellent in my humble view.

[@koreanature]

My best friend, that's a great video. I will always cheer for you in Korea I'm looking forward to a great video. Have a nice day.

[@xperienceflight]

My arms hurt just watching this. Well done.

[@joshy.churbro1660]

You’re doing great can’t wait to see more videos !!

[@nigelkerr3102]

Thanks for the video - just seen this as I am thinking of learning to fly a trike and have been trawling the 'net recently. Your video and comments are very helpful to me in terms of understanding the way they handle.

[@ThomasGrillo]

Amazing flight! Had no idea the glide ratio was so steep. Thanks for sharing this. :)

[@truth_only4082]

Perfect landing, extremely professional

[@headdown1]

Man that looks rough to the point of not being much fun anymore. But I guess you have to learn to fly in those kind of conditions. Nice landings.

[@Jeff034]

This is why I fly 3 axis now! Tks

[@plumbdog1964]

Fantastic video, Thanks

[@ericscott1895]

Been flying various Airborne Trikes since '99. Great job maintaining runway heading during departure and landing. Flying in that type of turbulence isn't done for joy, it's done to keep skills sharp..lol

[@gillesf6692]

Thanks for postings, tough day at the airfield, you did great.

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

That definitely builds confidence

[@longjohncrypto688]

This is why you always get a weather briefing before flying *anything*.

[@FLYNRYAN1978]

awesome flying

[@DustyCowdog]

Gotta' ditch the head-cam. Glad you are flying though. Cheers!

[@ProPatriaRO]

I encountered this amount of turbulence on a couple of flights. My first time i thought it was fun...for about 5 minutes, then it became very tiring and a pain in the butt. Didn't have trouble landing, just the amount of constant corrections to stay on course made me feel like i benched 200kg for a few hours.

[@kimkeam2094]

I had a friend who got “go home itis “ and he fought strong turbulence for an hour and a half, passing several airfields on the way. Unfortunately in such an exhausting flight he was too tired to control the aircraft through wind shear and low level turbulence he crashed. He did not survive. Since then we have made every effort to give it away before getting beyond our limits.

[@rathwije1579]

Thanks.

[@stevesayer4045]

I dont think these are safe in the wind. Then again iv never flowing one what if the wind stronger than the thrust can you still land ok