Powered Parachuting is one of the most accessible forms of powered flight
to the public. A powered parachute, also known as a PPC, is a 3 wheeled
cart-style vehicle with an aircraft engine, and a parachute-style wing attached.
This aircraft can be safely flown on most calm weather days and requires minimal
training by aviation standards.
What can you do with a powered parachute?
You can fly about between 1 and 3 hours at a speed of about 30 mph on one
tank of gas. You can climb thousands of feet in the air. Or, you can stay
between 500 and 1,000 feet above the ground as many pilots do. A large field,
clear of obstructions, is plenty of room for you to land and takeoff.
Is it Safe?
You can make powered parachuting, like most adventure sports, as safe or
dangerous as you want. You can enjoy years of injury free flying as long as you
follow basic safety guidelines and use well maintained equipment. Ways you can
make it safe are to receive instruction from a certified professional and use
safe equipment -- professional schools will create as controlled a learning
environment as possible.
Powered Parachuting is an outdoor sport and Mother Nature is unpredictable --
weather is always a big consideration. The primary safety factors are personal
judgment and attitude. You must be willing to learn gradually and use good
judgment and have an appropriate attitude.
Who can fly a powered parachute?
Powered Parachuting is about finesse, not strength. As in rock climbing,
women often do much better than men because they don’t try to muscle the powered
parachute around. The undercarriage weighs approx. 250 to 400 pounds, so you
will need some physical fitness. But more important than physical conditioning,
is being physically and mentally alert and prepared. To be a successful powered
parachuting student and pilot, you need to be able to think clearly and to
listen well.
How much does a powered parachute cost?
New Two Seat Aircrafts start at around $15,000 and Single Seat Aircraft
start at around $11,000 depending on the features that you may want.
Good used equipment is often available for half as much though it will
have a shorter life-span. In addition, because the sport is evolving rapidly,
newer powered parachutes can have significantly better performance and behavior
than older ones. You will need expert help in determining the suitability of the
used gear for your needs, and how airworthy it is. Good deals exist but you will
need to be able to carefully evaluate what you are looking at.
What do you need to know when purchasing your first powered parachute?
First, you need to know how to fly. No would-be pilot should purchase a
powered parachute before learning at least the basics of powered parachuting. A
reputable dealer will make certain you are properly trained before he will sell
you any equipment. In most cases the dealer is also an instructor. Or, he will
refer you to an instructor who can properly train you. It is your instructor’s
job to help you select your first wing. Different powered parachutes have
different characteristics and require different skill levels; your instructor
will match the powered parachute to your particular interests, strengths,
weaknesses, and skill level. Develop a solid relationship with an instructor you
trust before purchasing equipment.
How do you get started?
The best way to start is with a tandem introductory flight. This gives you
a taste of flying. Once you have seen what it is like then you can sign up for
one of the offered courses.
Do you need a license to fly?
Single Seat Powered Parachutes are regulated under the Federal Aviation
Regulations Section 103 and therefore a license is not required as long at they
weight less than 254 lbs, carry 5 gallons of fuel or less.
Dual seat Powered Parachutes are regulated and they do not comply with
ultralight regulations. In order to fly a dual seat machine you will need to
obtain a Sport Pilot License.
Sport Pilot Requirements are as follows:
§ Dual Instruction for a
qualified instructor (CFI)
§ 12 Hours of Flight
time
§ 70% or better on the
Sport Pilot Written Test
§ Pass on the Practical
Test with an Examiner
How long does it takes to learn?
You can be airborne in as little as two days. It all depends on your
ability to learn the techniques involved in launching and flying. How long it
takes, also depends on your background. If you are a licensed pilot, have
paragliding or powered paragliding experience, or other aviation training, you
may progress more
quickly in certain parts of your training, since there are areas in your
training that may be very similar.
Three to four consecutive days of training are often adequate. Your first few
flights will be under very controlled conditions. Your instructor will be making
most decisions for you. You will gradually begin to develop your confidence and
skills, as you progress in your flights. You will also begin to make more
decisions about your flights yourself. By the time you finish training, you
should be able to takeoff and land without assistance, as well as, make most of
your own decisions about flying. It may still take several more flights before
you feel really ready to fly on your own.
If your goal is to fly single seat machines, we have a 4 day course that
will get you flying safely, however it is possible that it may take more time
depending on the weather and your learning curve. For those wanting to go the
Sport Pilot route, we offer a 12 day course as well as other courses with
different length designed to make you a great pilot.
How fast does a Powered Parachute flies?
A powered parachute fly at a constant speed of 30 MPH. The ground speed is
affected by the wind speed so a a tail wind will increase your speed, while a
head wind will slow your ground speed.
How long can you fly?
A Powered Parachute uses unleaded gas and depending on how you fly, you
will burn between 3 and 4 gallons per hour. Ultralight aircraft can only carry 5
gallons so you will be able to fly an hour with 15 minutes of reserve. For the
2-seat aircraft they usually carry between 10 and 12 gallons so you could fly
about 3 hours.
How high can you fly?
A Powered Parachute can actually fly as high as 10,000 feetbut most pilots usually fly between 200 and 1000 feet depending on the weather. Over open areas without fences, power lines or dangerous obstacles you could fly a couple of feet over the ground.