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Welcome
to the World of Powered Parachutes (i.e., PPC's)
This site is designed to be a starting point for research, links and wisdom into the sport of powered parachutes.
On this site
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Manufacturers <> A source for great photos & stories from pilot perspectives <> And several ways to get in touch with the people who fly these awesome "magic carpet" aircraft
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| Brief Introduction of Powered Parachutes |
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Flying is an age old desire of the humans of this planet (this planet you call 'Earth'). And fortunately, in this day and age, anyone can learn to fly. The awkard truth is that flying in a commercial airliner is more like riding in a bus than the fantasy must of us dream about. At 35,000 feet, the scenery is interesting for an hour - maybe. But to those of us who want to experience flying "by the seat of one's pants", the real fun is soaring at 'bird' speed, just above the tree tops - like our old childhood flying dreams.
Those with a really intense desire to fly have probably looked into getting their general aviation (fixed-wing, airplane) license, and have contemplated spending the thousands of dollars and many hours to meet the FAA requirement to get a license. And then spent some sleepless night considering spending more thousands of dollars to buy a plane, and even more yet to rent hanger space, and maintain the aircraft. And after all that, they realize that flying a Cessna is fun, but to most it does not fulfill that deep (innate) desire to experience a more tactile "wind in your face" experience, that - in our initial innocense - we expected.
In the mid 60's, a new flying machine was invented, the Powered ParaChute (PPC). Crude at first, the PPC has evolved into the ultimate personal flying machine. Able to fly slowly, just above the tree tops, or ascend to 10,000-feet, safely, affordably, and comfortably. The PPC is indeed the ultimate personal flying machine - the most recent version of a "magic-carpet" experience.
I know, it seems too good to be true, but thanks to technology, almost anyone can live their flying dreams with a PPC. The basics of flying a Powered Parachute can be learned in as little as 12-hours. Buying this type of aircraft will cost less than the family car, and no license is required for some single-seat models. It can be stored in the garage, and towed to the airstrip in the back of a pickup truck or on an inexpensive open-bed trailer. And most maintenance can be performed by the owner (changing the plugs and the oil).
Flying the PPC is pure pleasure. No worries about stalls or spins. You can just relax and enjoy the experience. Speed is slow, about 30-mph at all times, although climb rate is comparable with many (general aviation) GA aircraft. Wind in your face is exciting while you truly fly by the 'seat of your pants' and your hands are free for taking advantage of an unbelievable photography platform.