Aircraft Includes Hand Controls For Paraplegics

If nothing else, the now four-year-old Sport Pilot category is all about accessibility, and making it easier for people to fly... whether the challenges are financial, or physical.

On Thursday's opening day of the US Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL, Paradise USA LLC will unveil its new P1 SP -- a version of the Brazilian-sourced P1 light sport aircraft, with hand controls for paraplegic pilots.

Chris Regis with Paradise USA says the interior room in the P1 makes the aircraft aptly suited for pilots with physical disabilities.

"Our P1 looks big for the Light Sport Aircraft category because it was designed around a four-seat configuration with the aft cabin converted to luggage use," he said. "The P1 offers more cubic area than most cockpits in light aviation. You can even pop out the front seat in a few seconds and stretch out full length for a nap or an overnight stay."

Regis adds the P1 can also easily carry golf clubs or a family pet, as well as a wheelchair. The P1 was conceived and built for a gross weight 300 pounds greater than the maximum allowable gross weight for an LSA, and offers a glide ratio of 12.5:1 for an added margin of safety.

"The P1 is solid, forgiving, and as predictable as they come," said Regis. "In fact, those with experience in America's favorite high-wing planes from Wichita, Kansas, will quickly transition to this nice-flying design from a country with a rich aviation design heritage."

The P1 joins the Italian-sourced Sky Arrow 600 as the only LSA on the market to offer controls for pilots with physical disabilities, to our knowledge. (If you're a manufacturer who also offers hand controls on your LSA, let us know! -- Ed.)

FMI: www.paradiseaircraft.us