Modification Custom-Fit to Let Disabled Pilots Fly

AeroPrakt exhibited the handicap-friendly variation of their A-22LS at the 2024 Midwest Aviation Expo. The company intends to utilize the aircraft to expand flight training accessibility for disabled students.

The A-22LS is a two-seat, high-wing, light sport aircraft with a metal airframe and tricycle landing gear. The engine, a Rotax 912 UL/ULS, peaks at 5800 rpm and produces a typical 110-115 kt cruise. The aircraft is also outfitted with large, bubble-style windows for optimized visibility and some pretty unique views.

The AeroPrakt-22 can be easily reconfigured in the factory to suit the needs of disabled pilots. With some simple linkage swaps, the aircraft can include a rudder control stick located between the seats. This is still connected to the pedals for conventional use when allowable. Further, the large interior cargo space is designed to easily accommodate wheelchairs or other necessary equipment.

The handicap-friendly configuration was created upon the initial request of a private customer, but now comes as a standard purchase option. The company aims to get the aircraft into flight schools to develop more opportunities for pilots with disabilities.

Only four A-22s have been delivered in the U.S. so far; however, they’re all under private individual ownership.

“Right now, we don’t have any really being used for what they’re designed for,” stated Andy Humphrey, a distributor for AeroPrakt. “There’s not a lot of places that will do that kind of training.”

The aircraft is not only good-looking, but also provides pretty spectacular performance with limited bad habits. It’s a fun one to get up in, and we can only hope the flight training industry starts to catch on.

FMI: www.aeroprakt.de