FAQ... About the design...
About flying and regulations...
About engine and wing selection...
About performance...
About ordering...
About the design:
What makes the Raven Soaring Trike better than other small trikes?
Truss frame construction:
The most important thing pilots notice about our Raven Soaring Trike is the unique truss frame construction. It is built of 1/4" thick aluminum plates in place of the usual round tubing most small trikes are made of. The result is an extremely solid, durable and yet very light trike that has been static load tested to 20 G's.
Single mast design:
The second thing pilots notice is the absence of a front mast. The obvious advantage is unobstructed visibility which means improved safety. Another advantage is the ease of set up: once the mast is up, you're done! The mast also has a lot of flex which dampens the shock from turbulence, rough landing and morever, it allows the glider to yaw in relation to the trike which enhances overall handling.
Quick disconnect engine:
The Raven trike is the only ultralight designed with a quick disconnect system that allows you to remove the engine in a matter of minutes. This enables you to tow or ramp launch your trike just like a hang glider and soar without a motor. You basically have the option to convert our powered trike into a true soaring trike anytime you feel like it.
Versatility:
Adaptable to an array of wings and a choice of engines, convertible from a powered to a soaring unit and available with a choice of options, our Raven Soaring Trike offers countless possibilities to suit your needs.
Wheels and shocks:
The wheels and shocks on our trike are small which is an advantage if you want to reduce drag and overall weight of the aircraft. The wheels we use are extremely sturdy and work well in conjunction with our bungee shock system which is the same system found on larger trikes.
Throttle:
When pilots sit in the Raven Soaring Trike they notice the absence of foot throttle. We believe foot throttle are accidents waiting to happen. With that thought in mind, we designed our trike with aviation style hand throttle which feels totally normal to any general aviation pilot and makes the transition to weight shift aircraft much easier and safer.
Brake design:
The brake pedal is mounted on the center of the steering bar and can be operated with either foot. This is a much better configuration since it can't induce an accidental sharp and unexpected turn as a side mounted brake can. General aviation pilots find it similar to the brakes on top of a set of rudders.
Ergonomic seat:
The seat on our trike is extremely well cushioned and the angle of the back is adjustable. We believe that comfort is part of the pleasure when you want to enjoy a good flight.
Back-up suspension:
There is a full back-up suspension system constructed of 5000# webbing that goes from the keel of the glider, through the mast, and connects to the main frame of the trike.
How long does it take to set it up?
It takes less than five minutes to set up the Raven Soaring Trike and have it attached to your wing.
Is it difficult to transport?
With its removable mast, the Raven Soaring Trike fits in the back of a full size pick-up for ease of transport.
In brief, the Raven Soaring Trike is the strongest and most versatile light trike frame you can buy, adaptable to most hang gliders, rigid or flex wing, with controls that feel familiar to general aviation pilots. It is easy to transport and set up and takes little room to store. More importantly, it is simply the easiest and most fun ultralight you can fly. At a very competitive price, the Raven Soaring Trike is your best investment choice for a single seat ultralight.
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About flying and regulations:
Is it true that no license is required to fly an ultralight?
No license is required to fly a "Part 103 legal ultralight". However, flying is something that is not to be taken lightly. Just because an ultralight "looks simple" does not mean it can be flown without training. We strongly advise people to obtain instruction from a certified ultralight flight instructor. Even general aviation pilots can benefit from ultralight instruction. Ultralights have their own characteristics that most general aviation pilots are not accustomed to.
Is the Raven Soaring Trike FAR Part 103 legal?
Yes, weighing around 155# with engine, it falls well under the 254# limitation established by the FAA.
How do I find an instructor in my area?
You can consult the list of certified ultralight instructors at www.usua.org/Instructors/instructors.htm and look for instructors certified in weight shift.
How long does it take to learn to fly in an ultralight?
Training may take between 2-10 hours depending on your natural abilities and skill level.
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About wing and engine selection:
How do I know if a wing is the right size?
The first thing you need to know is what the wing will carry (this is indicated on the wing by the manufacturer). For instance, the Falcon T2 225 has a maximum hook-in weight of 500#. From it you need to subtract the trike, parachute and fuel which comes up to roughly 165#. It leaves you with 285#. If you weight 230#, subtract this from the 285# and you get near the high end of the "useful load" of the wing, but you still maintain a margin of 55 lbs which can be used for extra clothes, camping gear or whatever else you might want for your flight. The important factor is to make sure you never exceed the maximum hook-in weight specified by the manufacturer, and ideally, be slightly under the maximum hook-in weight for performance reasons. What criteria should I use in selecting an engine?
Can I use any hang glider with the Raven Soaring Trike?
Yes, as long as you are within the hook-in weight recommended by the wing manufacturer. The Raven Soaring Trike has been mounted on a wide array of gliders ranging from the Falcon from Wills Wing to the Atos rigid wing from Aeronautic Innovations without any modifications. In most cases, the mast and the attachment block are the only parts that may need to be re-sized to fit the wing although some high performance gliders may require different side wires and a sleeve to be added in the keel for re-enforcement.
What criteria should I use in selecting an engine?
Keep in mind the following considerations when selecting an engine:
- Hook-in weight: trike +engine + pilot must be kept within the range stated by the wing manufacturer.
- Engine weight: the lighter the engine, the easier it is to soar.
- Horsepower: the more you get, the faster you will climb.
- Part 103: the empty weight must be kept under 254 pounds to qualify under FAA part 103 exemption.
Can I put my own motor on the trike?
You certainly can. Several of our customers have put their mechanic skills to work and hooked-up their own engine to our Raven Soaring Trike air frame.
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About performance:
What is my expected fuel consumption?
With an engine ranging from 25-30 hp operating at half throttle, you could expect to get around 1 hour of flight per gallon of fuel. The fuel capacity of the Raven Soaring Trike is either 2.5 or 5 gallons depending on option chosen.
Is it necessary to use an extension bar?
The extension bar is not necessary. It is an option that can be added to the Raven Soaring Trike to make it more comfortable and easier to soar.
Does the trike fly well without the fiberglass pod and how much is glide affected?
Yes, it works just fine without it. The fiberglass pod option is more for comfort than performance although you would loose around 1/2 point or so on the glide.
How is the performance affected at higher altitude?
With the 28 hp Hirth engine, you can maintain a 400 fpm climb rate up to 10,000 feet. Actual wing loading has a greater impact than altitude.
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About ordering:
Does the trike come fully assembled?
No, the Raven Soaring Trike is sold as a "quick build kit" (partially assembled) and includes a detailed manual. It takes 3-4 hours to complete the assembly and requires minimal mechanical skills.
What is the shipping weight of the quick build kit and how much is the shipping?
The trike, without motor, ships in 3 boxes at a combined weight of 75 lbs. The cost of shipping is approximately $150 in the continental U.S.
How long does it take to get my trike from the time I order?
Our lead time is 2 months or you can also purchase the Raven Soaring Trike from one of our dealer's inventory. See our dealers: ../_wsn/page6.html
Where can I find more information on the Raven Soaring Trike?
We've had write-ups in the Hang gliding magazine published by the USHPA (September 2006), Kit plane magazine (January 2006) as well as an interview with Dave Glover's Oz Report. See our article page: ../_wsn/page9.html. And of course, you are always welcome to contact us directly by email at trikes@tds.net or by phone at 802-263-9265.
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