By Emme Hornung

Fifty years ago, the powered ultralight movement took off at EAA Oshkosh 1976 when John Moody demonstrated a takeoff and landing in his powered hang glider, the Icarus II. Often called the “father of modern ultralight aviation,” Moody built the Icarus II hang glider in the mid-1970s. The local flat terrain was not ideal for the sport, however, so he mounted a two-cycle, 12.5-hp McCulloch engine and a propeller to the back. This allowed him to take off from ground level and climb for about 30 minutes, before shutting off the engine to soar.

His first flight in the powered Icarus II was in March 1975, but it was not until EAA’s 1976 convention that he demonstrated it in front of the Oshkosh crowds, and thus a movement was born. The sport of powered ultralights rose in popularity, and in 1982, the FAA created FAR Part 103. This new ruling was a milestone in aviation freedoms, as it ruled ultralight vehicles did not require registration nor pilot certification to fly them.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his flight during AirVenture 2026, Moody decided to donate the Icarus II to EAA. With help from members of the Michigan Ultralight Association (MULA), the aircraft was trailered from Moody’s home in Florida to Michigan for a thorough and thoughtful restoration. MULA members spent months cleaning, repairing, and re-covering Icarus II, which you can read all about in August’s EAA Sport Aviation Ultralight World.

After making its final trip to Oshkosh, the Icarus has been on display all week in the Ultralights area. Moody and MULA members were in attendance to celebrate the anniversary and a job well done on the restoration, as well as the 40th anniversary of their club. When the week wraps up, the Icarus will make its way to the EAA Aviation Museum to be put on display, honoring Moody’s contributions to the sport, and preserving its history and craftsmanship for future generations.