Here are some common questions about Powered Parachutes.
Home | Learn To Fly! | Pictures and Video | FAQ | Links
|
The natural function of the wing is to soar upwards and carry that which is heavy up to the place where dwells the race of gods. More than any other thing that pertains to the body it partakes of the nature of the divine. — Plato |
A powered parachute (PPC) is a recreational vehicle designed to provide a safe, easy way to fly. It is composed of a cart or pod that the engine is attached to, suspended under a parachute (wing).
No, you do not need a general aviation Pilot's License, if you are flying a single seat Powered Parachute that fits within FAR Part 103. If, however, you are flying any 2 place Powered Parachute, you are then required to hold a BFI rating. (Basic Flight Instructor) This is not a pilot's license, it allows you to fly under an exemption to FAR Part 103 granted to ASC and EAA.
Initially, the canopy is laid out on the ground directly behind the aircraft(It’s not a wing yet). At the start of the takeoff roll, the forward motion of the aircraft forces air into the openings at the leading edge of the canopy. This pressurizes the cells and the canopy assumes its airfoil shape, which is necessary for flight. At this stage, the airfoil becomes a wing and provides lift (high pressure below the wing, low pressure on top) and then carries the aircraft into the air. The preparation and takeoff can be accomplished by yourself, without assistance - a one-person operation, from takeoff to landing.
The Powered Parachute flies at a constant 30 MPH through the air. The ground speed is determined by the speed of the wind relative to the flight direction.
In the unlikely event that the engine should fail, the pilot can safely steer the unpowered gliding Powered Parachute back to a landing site. In fact, at many fly-ins, PPC pilots compete by landing on an exact spot with their engines off!
This is all relative to weather conditions and weight. If you have a tailwind, you can go a lot farther…but the return trip will take longer because you now have a headwind. If you are in a heavier machine (and you yourself are heavier), then you are using up more engine power, which takes more fuel and that equals less flight time. I have myself flown solo 68 miles on a no wind morning. Basically, these are for fun flying…not really for getting somewhere.
Winds on the ground is where it counts. I have seen pilots fly in 15 MPH winds (ground) and they would get bumped and tossed around quite a bit. Some pilots enjoy this. Personally, I prefer less than 10 MPH of non-gusty winds. This is what usually provides for nice, gentle, safe flights. Now in the air at altitude, I have flown with a 40 MPH tailwind. This made my GPS show a ground speed of just over 70 M.P.H.! The ride was smooth as silk! As I turned into the wind, I was showing 10 MPH…going backwards!
Unleaded Auto fuel works best. Rotax recommends using at least 87 Octane. Some pilots have used 100LL that airports offer and have had no ill effects (it just costs a lot more!)
Most
Powered Parachute flights are conducted within 500 to 2,000' AGL (above ground
level). Flights of up to 10,000' ASL (above sea level) are possible with
this type of aircraft. The record (un-official) is just over 21,000 feet!
My personal record is 11,500 feet (ASL). Very
exciting!!
Here
is a picture over the Arkansas river
at
6,800 feet.
The pendulum effect of suspending the pilot pod below the airfoil provides self-compensating stability. This requires no direct input from the pilot. This inherent stability makes it extremely difficult to stall, spin, loop or roll the aircraft, under normal flying conditions.
| I hope these answer your questions! If you have more, please feel free to email me! |
|
Home | Learn To Fly! | Pictures and Video | FAQ | Links