Innovation, accessibility and a lifelong passion for flight 

When engineering serves humanity and pushes the boundaries of what's possible.

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Some projects go beyond the usual scope. They can't be measured in work hours or spec sheets alone. They're measured in smiles at takeoff.

The Friedrich Schäfer project is one of those.

One Pilot. A Life Dedicated to Flight.

Friedrich Schäfer has been flying since 1982. First in hang gliding, then in weight-shift microlights. open skies, the sensation of soaring, the freedom only flight can offer. A passion carried for over forty years.

A motorcycle accident changed everything. Friedrich lost the use of his legs. But not his passion. And not his determination.

Even before crossing paths with Air Création, Friedrich had already adapted an older aircraft himself to keep flying. An ingenious workaround, born out of necessity. Proof that nothing, truly nothing, would stop him.

The Meeting. The Challenge.

It was at the Friedrichshafen airshow in Germany, one of the world's largest ultralight aviation events, that Friedrich approached the Air Création team. His project : to acquire a Tanarg Neo / BioniX15², one of the most capable aircraft in the range, fully adapted to his situation.

The question put to the team was never "is it possible?". It was "how?".

That answer : simple, direct, no hesitation.

Captures the Air Création mindset when faced with this challenge.

Understanding the Technical Problem

On a standard weight-shift microlight, in-flight control relies on shifting the centre of gravity using the arms via the control bar. In the air, Friedrich has no issue, his arms have been trained for decades.

The real challenge is on the ground. On a standard aircraft, the feet manage three critical parameters :

• Steering : via the rudder pedal, which controls the nose wheel
• Braking : left pedal
• Throttle : right pedal

Three vital functions. Zero available pedals. The problem was clearly defined, everything had to be transferred to the hands, without increasing pilot workload, and without any compromise on safety.

The Solutions Developed by Air Création

Working in close collaboration with Friedrich, who knows his needs and constraints better than anyone — the Air Création team developed five specific adaptations :

🖨️ Foot Rest — 3D Printed

A custom-made support, produced through 3D printing, designed to hold and position Friedrich's legs in a stable and secure manner within the trike.

🎯 Hand Throttle Trigger — Control Bar Integration

The throttle, normally operated by the right foot, was transferred to the control bar in the form of a trigger. A natural, intuitive gesture that integrates seamlessly without disrupting in-flight handling.

🛑 Hand Brake System — Beringer Aero

A recognised partner in the aviation world, Beringer Aero supplied their high-performance hand brake system. Professional-grade equipment, natively integrated into the aircraft.

🕹️ Electronic Nose Wheel Control

Ground steering, the most critical aspect of taxiing, is handled by an electronic system operated via buttons on the control bar. Precise, responsive, reliable.

🔒 Mechanical Backup System

Alongside the electronic system, a manual mechanical device provides complete redundancy. Two independent systems for maximum safety, the Air Création philosophy, applied to the end.

The First Flights. The Result.

Friedrich completed his first flights on the adapted Tanarg Neo / BioniX15². Taxiing, takeoff, flight, landing, every phase validated.

The aircraft responds. The adaptations work.

He's leaving with his aircraft. And with a smile.

For the Air Création team, that moment says it all : not an abstract technical achievement, but a man reclaiming his freedom in the skies.

The Sky Is For Everyone — A Conviction, Not a Slogan

This project is not an isolated case. It reflects a founding value at Air Création : flight should be accessible to everyone.

Young student pilots, women, seniors, people with disabilities. Since 1982, Air Création has built aircraft designed for the widest possible audience. The adaptation of the Tanarg Neo for Friedrich Schäfer is the most concrete and human expression of that commitment.

It won't be the last project of its kind. If you're facing a similar challenge, reach out. We'll figure out how.