Moore Airtime
Trike Flights and Instruction in the Denver, Colorado Area
Frequently Asked Questions
Pictures of the Williams Ranch 2002 Fly-In
Pictures of the Williams Ranch 2003 Fly-In
Pictures of the WWUA Fly-In 2005
I don't want to learn. Can I just go for a ride?
None of us knows if we might be interested in this fascinating form of flight until we give it a try the first time. If you can say there is a possibility that you might be interested in continued instruction, then we can enthusiastically offer you a "Demo Flight" (actually an "Introductory Flight Lesson") where the sole purpose is to acquaint you with the pleasures of trike flying. After the flight you can decide if trike flying is something you might like to pursue. You are making no commitment to further instruction by taking an introductory flight.
When do you fly?
We are lucky in the Denver area to be able to fly all year long. Summers offer shorts-and-shirt-sleeves flying, but winters offer some of the best flying conditions to be found! In order to fly in smooth air we generally limit our flying day to the first three hours after sunrise and the last three hours before sunset.
We can schedule your flight for a weekend or during the week.
Is there an age limitation?
You must be at least 14 years old to begin flight training (including "Introductory Flights") with Moore Airtime. You must be at least 16 in order to fly solo. Those under the age of 18 will need the signed approval of both guardians using a Moore Airtime waiver form.
Is there a weight limitation?
We are able to fly with students that weigh 230 pounds or less.
What kind of weather can you fly in?
Because of their light weight and slow airspeed, trikes are flown only on fair-weather days. We can fly with students in smooth winds up to 10 or 12 mph, but not when storm clouds are present or when frontal systems are nearby. We never take chances with the weather!
After you schedule a flight, you will need to call us the night before your flight to verify the weather forecast. You can also give us a call an hour or two before your flight to confirm conditions, and possibly avoid an unnecessary trip to the airport.
How high do you fly?
On your first flight we will generally fly about 500 feet above the ground. If conditions allow, we might make a low pass over a sunflower field, or we might climb up to 2,000 feet to get a better view. Our trikes have the performance to fly anywhere from a few feet high, up to several thousand feet. In fact, in the autumn of 2005 one of our trikes was flown up to 15,600 feet, over the top of Mt. Princeton!
How fast do you fly?
The trike you will fly with Moore Airtime cruises at about 55 mph, with a maximum speed of about 75 mph. When buying your own trike you can choose a wing with a cruise speed of 35 mph, up to 80 mph, or even faster!
Is a license required to fly a trike?
A license might be required, depending on the type of trike you are flying.
If your trike fits the definition of an ultralight, then the FAA does not require a license. However, the growth in popularity of ultralights is due to the safety record that has been achieved by voluntary participation in FAA-recognized training programs. If we teach you to solo an ultralight trike you will end your training with a USUA or ASC pilot rating that demonstrates your pilot knowledge and proficiency in all of the fundamental areas of flight.
If your trike is heavier than an ultralight, has two seats, or otherwise does not fit the definition of an ultralight, then your trike must be registered with the FAA as a Light Sport Aircraft, and you will need a license to fly it.
Please refer to the training page for a comparison of Sport Pilot and Ultralight Pilot.
What's meant by "weight shift?"
The term "weight shift" is simply the official term used to refer to trikes. Trike wings are controlled by moving the control bar of the wing forward and back, and from side to side. The effect of this action is actually to move your weight underneath the wing, which causes the wing to respond in the desired way.
Can I learn to do this?!!!
If you are a healthy adult, the answer is: absolutely! Learning to fly an aircraft is not one of the instant-gratification endeavors that some people look for. But if you like to learn, and if you have some patience, you will be rewarded with a skill that is second to none in its lifelong rewards. With the help of a qualified instructor, the dream of flight - once reserved for others - will be yours to savor.
How long would it take me to learn to fly solo?
This varies for each individual, but 12-18 flight hours is common in order to solo a tike. You will also spend a few hours reading and discussing flight-related topics in ground school. We pack a lot of learning, and a lot of fun, into those hours!
Where do I learn?
We teach trike flying in the Denver area, usually at Front Range Airport.
If you live in a different area, or if you would like to learn to fly a different type of ultralight or aircraft, please see the referrals section of our "Training" page.
How much does a trike cost?
You can expect to pay $18,000 or more for a new trike. Of course, you can spend much more than this for more bells and whistles, and you can spend much less if you shop around a bit. Our instructors can help you find quality new or used equipment.
After I solo, are rental trikes available?
Due to the difficulty in insuring trikes, it is not common to find trikes for rent. When training with us you will be allowed (and encouraged) to solo several times in one of our trikes. However, you will need to purchase your own machine at the end of your training.
More questions?
Please refer to the training page for a discussion of Sport Pilot, demo flights, prices, and more. If you still have questions, feel free to send us an email, or give us a call.
