Oshkosh 2026 - This Aircraft STARTED the Ultralight Boom… 50yrs ago.

We meet Hall of Fame legend John Moody, the “Father of Ultralights,” and take a close look at the aircraft that helped launch the modern ultralight movement—the Easy Riser. John first brought powered ultralight flying to Oshkosh in 1976, when he was the only ultralight pilot at the entire convention. The following year there were six. Then 23. Then 78—and the ultralight field at Oshkosh was born. In this interview, John explains how this unusual tailless biplane is flown using body weight, twist-grip controls and just 15 horsepower. He also tells the hilarious story behind his famous airshow routine, where a shotgun blast appeared to shoot off his wheels, tail and engine before he landed the aircraft on his feet. We also find out: • How the Easy Riser is controlled • How short its takeoff roll can be • Why it cruises at only around 30 mph • How John climbed thousands of feet in thermals with the engine switched off • Why no pilot licence is required under FAA Part 103 • Why John is now selling this incredible piece of aviation history • How his original powered Icarus is being restored for the EAA Aviation Museum At 83 years old, John Moody remains one of the most important and entertaining figures in recreational aviation. Would you fly an aircraft with no cockpit, no conventional control stick and only 15 horsepower? Visit John Moody’s website: pioneerflyer.com Filmed at SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo. Thumbnail image source: EAA #JohnMoody #Ultralight #EasyRiser #Oshkosh #EAAAirVenture #Part103 #ExperimentalAircraft #AviationHistory #SunNFun #BeSnappy