Open Site - Recreation: Aviation: Aircraft: Flex Wing: Powered Parachute

Top: Recreation: Aviation: Aircraft: Flex Wing: Powered Parachute

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Description

Photo Credit:
John R. Smyth / Smyth Flight Dynamics Inc.
St. Catharines, Ontario

A powered parachute is a parachute that is attached to a trike with an engine. While the characteristics of the parachute is similiar to a skydiving parachute, it is specially designed to handle a greater wing loading. It is classified as a light sport aircraft. In the United States the pilot must obtain a Sport Pilot license to operate this aircraft.

Most powered parachutes are considered safe for the most part because an engine is not needed to land the aircraft. The wing of the aircraft is capable of gliding the entire aircraft to the landing zone in most cases. Just in case, most aircraft of this type are equipped with a rocket-powered parachute that automatically deploys upon the release of a handle.

Sometime the powered parachute is confused with the powered paraglider. Powered parachutes will always have wheels in contrast to powered paragliders that never have wheels.

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Operating Parameters

Speed of a powered parachute ranges from slow speeds of 25-35 miles per hours up to cruising speeds of 35-40 miles an hour. Landing and take off distances are relatively short and usually are around 200 feet. Descent speed with the engine off usually range between 400fpm to 600fpm. Ascent speeds vary widely based upon the horsepower of the engine but usually range from 300fmp to 1000fpm.