From zero to certified
in six days.
In May 2026, APPI Power Master Instructor Ricardo Maciel runs a small-group ParaTrike certification course in Murtosa, on the Aveiro lagoon. The only course of its kind in Europe this spring — only two seats remain.
If you've ever watched a trike skim low over Portuguese lagoons at sunset and thought "I want to do that" — this post is for you. In May 2026, APPI Power Master Instructor Ricardo Maciel is running a small-group ParaTrike certification course in Murtosa, Portugal. Only a handful of spots remain, and this is the only course of its kind running in Europe this spring.
What is a ParaTrike?
A ParaTrike (also called a Powered Paratrike or Trike Paramotor) is a three-wheeled aircraft with a paraglider wing and a foot-launch-style power unit — except you're sitting in a comfortable seat instead of standing up. It's one of the most accessible forms of powered aviation in the world:
- No hard runway needed — just a grass strip or beach
- Seated position — easier on your body, ideal for longer flights
- Low running costs — smaller engine, less fuel than a microlight
- Fly anywhere — same APPI licence is valid in 50+ countries
- Internationally recognised certification (APPI) in just 6 days
If you've always wanted to fly — or you're a paramotor pilot curious about trikes — this is the most efficient path to being airborne.
Why Portugal? Why Murtosa?
Murtosa sits on the edge of the Ria de Aveiro lagoon system in central Portugal — one of the most spectacular flying environments in Europe. In May, conditions are near-perfect:
- Stable Atlantic air masses — predictable, gentle winds
- Average 18–22°C — comfortable for morning and late afternoon flights
- Visual variety — lagoons, ocean, pine forests, fishing villages — incredible from the air
- Low air traffic density — unrestricted flying over most of the area
- English widely spoken, easy to get to from the UK (Porto Airport, 60 min)
Ricardo has been training students in Portugal for years and knows the local flying spots better than anyone. You won't be learning in a field — you'll be flying one of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Europe from day 2.
The course — what you get in six days
The Block 2 course runs 11–16 May 2026. It's designed as a complete progression from zero to certified pilot:
| Day | What you'll do |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ground school — aerodynamics, regulations, weather, safety |
| Day 2 | Ground handling, kite skills, simulator familiarisation |
| Day 3 | First flights — instructor on the radio, dual radio guidance |
| Days 4–5 | Progressive solo flights — circuits, navigation, landings |
| Day 6 | Skills assessment + APPI certification flight |
What's included:
- Full APPI ParaTrike certification (Open Sky Pilot + Adventure Pilot, Course 1)
- All equipment provided — trike, harness, helmet, radio
- Minimum 20 flights over the 6 days
- Small group (maximum 6 students) for personalised instruction
- Daily briefings and debriefs with Ricardo
- WhatsApp support group with graduates
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for:
- Complete beginners — no prior flying experience required
- Paramotor pilots who want to transition to trikes (seated flying, better stability)
- Microlight/ultralight pilots who want an APPI certification to fly abroad
- Paraglider pilots who want to add power
- Anyone who has dreamed of flying and wants to make it happen in 2026
"I've trained over 1,000 students across Brazil, Portugal and the UK. The most common thing I hear after the first solo flight is — Why didn't I do this sooner?" — Ricardo Maciel, APPI Power Master Instructor
Course pricing
There are two certification tracks available for May 2026:
| Course | Level | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 — Open Sky & Adventure Pilot | Beginner → Certified Pilot | £1,450 |
| Course 2 — Sports Pilot | Advanced + Competition Skills | £1,550 |
Not included: flights to Porto (Porto Airport, ~60 min drive), accommodation in Murtosa. Ricardo can suggest local accommodation — there are several guesthouses and Airbnbs in the area for €40–80/night.
The instructor — Ricardo Maciel
Ricardo is an APPI Power Master Instructor — the highest paramotor instructor certification level globally. He has trained more than 1,000 students across three continents and holds courses in Brazil, Portugal and the UK. He also organises the annual WNTT Rio Extravaganza, where certified pilots fly over Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon and Egypt.
Getting your APPI ParaTrike certification with Ricardo means you're not just passing a test — you're getting access to a global community of pilots, discounts on future WNTT expeditions, and a mentor who answers WhatsApp messages.
Only 2 spots remaining — May 2026
This course has a maximum of 6 students. As of the current intake, only 2 spots remain for the 11–16 May course. If you're interested, don't wait — courses at this size fill through word-of-mouth and early enquiries.
To book your spot or ask any questions:
- Book online at flyparatrike.com
- WhatsApp Ricardo directly: +44 7862 441924
- Email: caju@cajubr.com
A £300 deposit secures your place, with the balance due 30 days before the course.
Already a certified pilot? See the WNTT Rio Extravaganza (April 2026), Egypt Gate 8 and Amazon 2026 — expeditions for certified pilots who want to fly somewhere extraordinary.