Powered Parachutes are simple aircraft which use many flight
characteristics to its advantage. The use of these forces, and others,
make the Powered Parachute virtually impossible to roll, stall or
dive. Because drag is a friendly force with this vehicle, the
parachute limits the flight speed to approximately 30 MPH (48
kilometer/hour).
The parachute is strategically attached to the airframe at lifting
points along the Center of Gravity, or CG, which allows the airframe
to hang level in flight. Thrust from the engine moves the vehicle
forward causing the parachute to fill with air and come up above the
aircraft like a kite. The forward momentum of the aircraft creates
lift, and away you go.
Controlling a powered parachute is simple. Engine speed determines
altitude. More power equals more altitude. Steering is accomplished
with your feet. Push on the right bar to go right and push on the left
bar to go left. It doesn't get much simpler.
Landing is simple too. Reduce power starts a gradual descent. Set you
approach and flare the parachute as you touchdown. Even without power
you still have full control of the parachute to safely deliver the
aircraft back to the ground.
The powered parachutes uses a parachute like an inflatable wing. It
has two layers of fabric, connected by shaped cell dividers. The space
between the two fabric layers fills with low pressure air from
openings that face forward. The design of the cross-section is such to
give an airfoil shape when inflated. These are typically low-speed
wings which look like a square inflatable air-mattresses with open
front ends and are called "Ram Air" parachutes. |
First Parafoil Parachute
The ideas of this setup were originally used in testing at Notre
Dame University in the early 80’s. After the program was abandoned,
some people saw value in the idea of a slow flying, easy to
maneuver, inexpensive aircraft. This motivated the production of the
first commercial powered parachutes by Paraplane, Inc.
Here is a great interview with the first powered parachute pilot,
Lowell Farrand. It includes some pictures too.
http://www.ultraflightradio.com/byname/farrand-lowell.html
Paraplane’s design was simple, yet caught the eye of many
enthusiasts at Sun-N-Fun when it was introduced. This interest
sparked a wave of sales which propelled Paraplane into the forefront
of the ultra light community. In the years to follow, many companies
were born to offer various designs of this popular type of aircraft.
This aircraft was offered in kit form, which means you have to put
it together with all of the pieces they provide. These days more of
the manufacturers are offering factory built aircraft.
Modern Parafoil Parachute
Over the last two decades, the sport has grown tremendously. The
FAA (Federal Aviation
Administration) governs this sport with FAR 103. This regulation
covers single seat light aircraft. The twin seat, or dual, are now
regulated by
Light-Sport Aircraft.
Because powered parachutes have such a great safety record and are
so easy to fly, many people are making their dreams of flight come
true. These type of aircraft cost a fraction of traditional
airplanes and the expense to operate one is pennies on the dollar
compared to others. |
