>>1632149It can get way more minimalist than that. A skydiver can achieve a 1-1 glide ratio without any gear at all, aside from the chute but it's stowed away. Add a squirrel suit and they can get up to 10-1 and briefly climb. Paragliders are probably the most minimal "aircraft" that can take off, maneuver freely, and land. A small bush / sport plane is only slightly more sophisticated and expensive.
Pic related: a "hopper balloon". All the fun of ballooning but without the social aspect: no traditional champagne on the landing, you just crack a Miller Lite and call a cab.
