POWERCHUTE FLYING IN THE MAINE BUSH.

How fortunate we are to be able to fly Powered Parachutes in the great state of Maine! We can fly in populated areas but also have the opportunity to fly in very rural wilderness places where we can truly get a perspective of the wilds that can only be observed by birds. When we venture away from home, we should consider some basic preparations that may make our trip safer should something occur that would cause us to go down prematurely. I would like to pass on to you a few ideas about being prepared for flight when you decide to fly in remote areas. This subject is difficult to cover adequately in a short space but I will try to list the most important things to consider.

I will list some basic principles to follow and then list some of the equipment that you may wish to carry with you.

Always fly with at least two airships. Have a plan as to what you would do in the event of an untimely landing. Always be sure to leave a note or message as to the general location of your flight and the timelines of your trip. Consider leaving a phone number or two for someone to contact.

Our ppc's can be equipped with extra dittybags and/or saddlebags that we can store equipment in. (bags can be purchased from many aftermarket sources).

Some equipment to carry:

Rope:  I carry 75 ft. of 3/8" line to use if I get stuck in a tree. For navigational purposes have a GPS, compass, and a DeLorme (map) atlas. Carry a roll of orange survey tape to use to mark your way out if you have to leave your machine in the woods. I have an extra battery pack to put on my hand held radio if I need to leave my plane and walk out. Other items that may assist are as follows:

Flare set, waterproof matches, good quality bugdope, firestarter, knife, duct tape, candle, small diameter nylon line, flashlight, extra batteries, small packet of TP (bumwad), single D-cell flashing stobe-light, space blanket, metal coffee cup, and perhaps a cell phone (sometimes they don't work well deep in the woods).

Clothing:

The time of year will dictate what clothing to bring along, but the following should be a minimum:

Wool hat, gloves/mittens, turttlneck sweater, jacket with a hood, and a brightly colored rainproof pancho.

Food:

Raisins, trail mix, chocolate, tea, coffee singles, ramen (dry noodle soup), hard candies and packets of coolaid and a supply of water (canteen or bottled) will do. Most of this is energy food and will help in a pinch. Carry a small bowl for soup or drink.

First aid kit:

Bandaids, pain pills, ace bandage, Tylenol, signal mirror, antiseptic, compress bandage, small survival booklet and large safety pins.

All of the above seems like a lot of stuff. However, it all doesn't weigh much, cost relatively little, and takes up a small amount of space. If you never have to use any of it, that's a good thing, but should you need it, you have it.  Most of the items can be purchased at Wal-Mart, etc. and some of the specialty items can fe found in Marine supply stores.

Tips:

--For a stove, you can put sand in your metal coffee cup, add a little gasoline, and there you have it. (acts like a Sterno).

--Koolaid makes a good energy food hot or cold.

--If you are in big trouble, turn your radio to the aviation emergency channel 121.5, that is the universal emergency aviaton channel.

--Kitchen matches (strike anywhere type) can be placed in a metal bandaid box tips up, and drip candle way on them to waterproof them.

--Of course, always carry your line socks and chute bag with you.

--Carry change (and cash) with you for use at a public telephone.

--Be sure to had an I D (drivers license) with you at all times.

All of the above are just some ideas that may be of help to you as you prepare for a safe trip. You may have other items that work for you and this list is by no means totally inclusive. The point here to consider is that in the event of some unexpected landing in the bush, your adventure may be a more comfortable and safe experience.

Written by Dunbar Seamans