Powered Parachute

A powered parachute is a parachute with motor and wheels. Their relative airspeed is 25-35 mph, and their operating height is typically 500-1500 feet, albeit it might be as high as 18000+ feet - the world record. They may fly for upwards of three hours.

Powered parachutes have very short take-off and landing rolls, sometimes less than 100 ft. A new one-person powered parachute typically costs around $10,000,and a top-end two seater can cost $15-20,000, while a converted motor scooter costs US$6000, making them among the cheapest motorized air vehicles.

Empty weight is around 200-300 lb. Payload can be upwards of 500 lb. Typical single place (one person) variants do not require a license to operate (in USA), and can be learned in 5-7 days by an average student. Two place operations may have more restrictive legal and training requirements.

The power-off glide ratio of a powered parachute is 3:1 to 6:1. Glide ratio varies depending on the chute size and shape, and the weight that the chute is carrying. Engine-off landings are quite safe, assuming the pilot is within glide range of a suitable landing zone.

Although possible, it is difficult to cause the powered parachute aircraft to get into a dangerous attitude, stall, or chute collapse by means of pilot control inputs.

Probably the most dangerous aspects of flying a powered parachute are associated with wind and obstacles. Flight should not be attempted in winds exceeding 10-15 mph, or in gusty conditions. Wind hazards also include terrain-induced air disturbances (stay upwind of trees, mountains, and other obstacles) and wake turbulence created by the passage of other aircraft. Power lines and trees are terrain obstacles requiring special care. Forced landings in water are extremely dangerous. It is easy to become entangled in the parachute lines of a sinking powered parachute.

Powered Parachute pilots typically enjoy flying 'low and slow' - the PPC is an excellent platform for sightseeing and photography. Powered Parachutes are also used in agriculture, and occasionally by law enforcement agencies and flight search organizations such as Emergency Low Level Aerial Search and Surveillance, a search and rescue organization founded by the Power Chute Education Foundation.

Powered Parachutes do not need an airport to take off and land, and can be used in any area which is not populated by humans or houses. Many pilots fly from smaller airport and airfields as well as mowed hay fields.