Seattle Powerchutes - Chute me up!

The following is a list of question that will help you determine if a Powered Parachute is what you want

1. Are you willing to be up flying by sunrise? While not absolutely necessary, the best time to fly is usually early in the morning before strong winds make the way to your location. Usually during the summer, the best flying time occurs between 5AM and 10 AM. During the Winter it is possible to fly all day if the wind is steady at less than 10 MPH.

2. If you are not an early riser, would you enjoy sunset flights? Evening flights are just as great as morning, however you have to deal with the possibility of the wind being stronger and the fact that you have to be back by sunset.

3. Are you Ok with being able to fly up to 70 miles per flight? Most Powered Parachutes fly at 30 MPH and we carry 10 to 12 gallons of automobile grade gasoline. Don't expect to make interstate flights...

4. If you are planning to buy a plane.

a. Do you have a trailer to move it back and forth?

b. If you don't have a trailer, are you planning to rent space at Arlington? The cost is usually less than $90 per month and if you share the hangar you could probably split the cost 4 ways.

c. If you are planning to store the plane in your house. Do you have enough space? The dimensions are usually: 111" Long, 68" Wide 'At the Tires', 84" Tall at the propeller ring.

5. Ultralight versus Sport Pilot

a. If you just want to fly a single seat machine there is no license requirement.

b. If you want to fly a 2 seat machine and be able to take passengers then you must go the Sport Pilot route.

6. Are you able to push with your legs the equivalent of 20 pounds of pressure? In order to steer the plane, you will need to use your legs. If you want to go right, you push the bar with your right leg. While 20 pounds of pressure is not really that much, if you have any problems with your knees or legs if ma prevent you from doing this sport.

7. Are you willing to understand that the best flying condition is when the wind is calm? We can fly in winds up to 10 MPH as long that is is a steady wind. While it is not dangerous, we usually don't fly when the wind is very variable. We rather have a 7 MPH steady wind than a 2 MPH gusting to 10 MPH.

As you see above there are not many conditions, but any of them could be a deal breaker for you. We really recommend that you think about it before committing to train or purchase a plane. Please read the FAQ section for more information.

Want to learn or just go on an introductory flight? Call Seattle Powerchutes at (425) 443-8137or email Rick@SeattlePowerchutes.com