Ultralight view of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Travel

Ultralight Flight Over Puerto Lopez, Ecuador #AtoZChallenge

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Sunday, 5:29 PM

 

“You did what?!”

“I know you’ve said they are deathtraps, Dad. Before I went, I…

“Ultralights ARE deathtraps, Emily!”

“…weighed the risks verses my desire to see Puerto Lopez from the air…”

“It’s not worth your life!”
“…and decided it was more likely I would land safely on the beach than crash into the ocean.”

So it went when I told my retired pilot father about my first ultralight flight.

Ultralight plane - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Friday

I first saw the plane Friday afternoon. The pilot took off, looped the bay, and landed on the beach. I watched several takeoffs and landings, timed the flights (about 4 minutes), and yearned to see Puerto Lopez from the air.

Between flights, I asked the pilot how long he would be here (through Sunday) and how much was a flight ($10 USD). I left for an appointment, thinking what a rarity it is to see a sightseeing plane in Puerto Lopez.

Saturday morning, I watched the plane from my balcony until I left town for an overnight trip. By the time I returned Sunday afternoon, my yearning had not abated. Back on the balcony, the plane called to me over and over. I answered.

Ultralight takeoff - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:27 PM

As we lifted off, my inner world was in turmoil. While chastising myself for risking my life and wondering what people would say if I died (“She KNEW ultralights were deathtraps!”), I realized I was not breathing. I gave myself a mental butt kicking. “If this is your last moment on Earth, enjoy it!”

Finally settled in, I had a blast. Dad wanted to hear all about it once I promised this was my last ultralight flight.

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:27 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:28 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:29 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:29 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:29 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:29 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:29 PM

 

Ultralight flight - Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
5:30 PM

 

 

2018 A to Z Challenge - U

Have you been on a sightseeing flight? If yes, was it an ultralight? If no, would you go up in an ultralight?

 

Ultralight flight over Puerto Lopez, Ecuador

 

Ultralight flight over Puerto Lopez, Ecuador

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A look back

Last year, I wrote Underwater Endangered Testudines (a.k.a. Sea Turtles)

I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!

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