Florida Powered Parachutes / Fly-By Ranch



	How does a PPC fly? What happens if the engine quits ? How fast does a PPC fly? Do I need a pilots license to fly a PPC? How much wind can I fly a PPC in? How long can I fly on a tank of gas? How long will the engine last? How long does it take to learn? How does a PPC fly? Since the PPC has only three flight controls and flies at one speed all the time, it is a very safe and easy aircraft to fly. First, you lay the parachute out behind the PPC, then buckle up and start the engine. Open the throttle about half way and you start rolling forward, as you roll forward the parachute begins to inflate and raise above you. Once the parachute has completely inflated and stabilized above you, simply open the throttle to full power and lift off. To make the chute turn in flight, you simply push a foot bar right to go right or left to go left. To climb add power, to decend reduce power. Holding the throttle stick at about 3/4 of full power will allow you to fly the PPC at level flight. What happens if the engine quits ? No need to worry, if in the unlikely event the engine quits, you simply parachute back to the ground. You have all turning capability to help guide you to a safe landing location. How fast does a PPC fly? A PPC flies at a constant speed of about 30 mph. all the time. Even if you shut the engine off you are still flying at 30 mph. The reason for this is due to the fixed forward glide speed designed into the parachute. Do I need a pilots license to fly a PPC? Generally there is no license required to fly a PPC on your own, however, you need a Sport Pilot Licence to take someone with you. How much wind can I fly a PPC in? It is not recommended to fly a PPC in wind conditions exceeding 10-12 mph. Most pilots prefer to fly their PPC in the morning and late afternoon and into the evening when the wind conditions are most calm. How long can I fly on a tank of gas? The average PPC has a 10 gallon fuel capacity and can fly up to 3 hours. Some have a 5 gallon fuel capacity and can fly up to 1.5 hours. How long will the engine last? When maintained properly, depending on the engine, manufacturers TBO (Time Before Overhaul) is between 300 - 1,500 hours depending on the engine type. Maintenance costs, consisting of fuel filters, spark plugs, gear oil, etc. are minimal. How long does it take to solo? It usually takes 3-5 hours of dual flight time to be at a point where you can solo. Some people learn faster than others and may take less time. back to top