Getting Started in the Sport of Powered Parachutes
Many people see us flying and wish to know what is involved in this sport. The answer is not one that can be answered quickly in a few sentences.
One-seat machines are not regulated by the FAA. They range in price new from $8000. on up to about $10.000. Used single-seat machines can be bought for $4500. and up depending on condition and age. A person can buy a single-seat machine and take it flying without any instruction. We at Maine Powerchute Association strongly urge people to receive instruction before flying.
Two-seat machines are regulated by the FAA. New prices start at $11,500 and go up to $21,000. Good used two-seat machines can be found from $8500 -- $13,000. Anyone operating one must have instruction from an instructor that belongs to the EAA (Expermental Aircraft Association) or the ASC (Aero Sport Connection). The price of instruction depends on your level of picking up the skills necessary but usually is less than 3 days and cost is under $500.00. This will get you to the point of having your first solo flight and possibly more.
That is just the beginning. An instructor can show you the tools, caution you about the dangers, but the real learning is flying the machine in different conditions and experiancing takes offs, flights, and landings. After you have logged at least 25 hours flying you see your instructor again for a written test and demostrate your flight skills. If you pass, you can receive a BFI (Basic Flight Instructor) rating. This is the first level of certification that the FAA currently has for two-seat powered parachutes and it is needed to continue flying your machine and to to be able to offer instruction to future students.
Currently there is no legal means under FAA law to give rides to people other than instructional use. The FAA is currently developing a new Sport Pilot Rating for Ultralights. They have published the initial law and have put it out for a comment period which has ended. Sometime within the next two years this Sport Pilot license will be law. There are many benefits of this law and some downside. You can read about it by using the link on our main page to Powerchutes.com and see the links on that page.
In addition to the price of the machine you'll need: a trailer, which can be as simple as a double-wide snowmobile up to and enclosed trailer; a radio ($250.00); helmets with intercom ($500.00); miscellaneous tools. Nice to have, but not absolutely necessary: a Global Positioning System device (GPS).
Powered Parachutes are aircraft and do require maintenance. Currently general maintenance can be done by the owner, but engine work should be performed by a certified Rotax Mechanic. Engines usually have main seals replaced at 150 hours and total engine rebuilds at 300 hours. (300 hours is a long time flying, for most it will be 3 years or more).
People interested in the sport should expect these costs and should not try to cut corners. Our sport is safe and there have been very few serious accidents with Powered Parachutes. Common sense prevails here and keeping a machine in tip top shape is critical.
If you have any questions about Powered Parachutes feel free to go to out contact link and e-mail any one of us. You'll recieve back an answer from someone who has many hours experiance.
Getting Started in the Sport of Powered Parachutes
Many people see us flying and wish to know what is involved in this sport. The answer is not one that can be answered quickly in a few sentences.
One-seat machines are not regulated by the FAA. They range in price new from $8000. on up to about $11.000. Used single-seat machines can be bought for $4500. and up depending on condition and age. A person can buy a single-seat machine and take it flying without any instruction. We at Maine Powerchute Association strongly urge people to receive instruction before flying.
Two-seat machines are regulated by the FAA. New prices start at $11,500 and go up to $21,000. Good used two-seat machines can be found from $8500 -- $13,000. Anyone operating one must have instruction from an instructor that belongs to the EAA (Expermental Aircraft Association) or the ASC (Aero Sport Connection). The price of instruction depends on your level of picking up the skills necessary but usually is less than 3 days and cost is under $500.00. This will get you to the point of having your first solo flight and possibly more.
That is just the beginning. An instructor can show you the tools, caution you about the dangers, but the real learning is flying the machine in different conditions and experiancing takes offs, flights, and landings. After you have logged at least 25 hours flying your instructor will fill out the necessary paperwork and recommend you to an Advance Flight Instructor (AFI). The AFI will give you a flight test and if you demostrate the necessary skills of flight will issue you your BFI rating.. This is the first level of certification that the FAA currently has for two-seat powered parachutes and it is needed to continue flying your machine and to to be able to offer instruction to future students.
Currently there is no legal means under FAA law to give rides to people other than instructional use. The FAA is currently developing a new Sport Pilot Rating for Ultralights. They have published the initial law and have put it out for a comment period which has ended. Sometime within the next two years this Sport Pilot license will be law. There are many benefits of this law and some downside. You can read about it by using the links on our main page.
In addition to the price of the machine you'll need: a trailer, which can be as simple as a double-wide snowmobile up to and enclosed trailer; a radio ($250.00); helmets with intercom ($500.00); miscellaneous tools. Nice to have, but not absolutely necessary: a Global Positioning System device (GPS).
Powered Parachutes are aircraft and do require maintenance. Currently general maintenance can be done by the owner, but engine work should be performed by a certified Rotax Mechanic. Engines usually have main seals replaced at 150 hours and total engine rebuilds at 300 hours. (300 hours is a long time flying, for most it will be 3 years or more).
People interested in the sport should expect these costs and should not try to cut corners. Our sport is safe and there have been very few serious accidents with Powered Parachutes. Common sense prevails here and keeping a machine in tip top shape is critical.
If you have any questions about Powered Parachutes feel free to go to out contact link and e-mail any one of us. You'll recieve back an answer from someone who has many hours experiance.
