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Powered Parachutes: A Safe Alternative to Give Riders a Feeling of Flying
from: Maxx Sports GuidesJust about everyone, with the possible exception of agoraphobics (people who are afraid of heights) have, at some time, dreamt of flying.
Some have followed this dream only to find out that flying an airplane is more like driving a truck.
However, others have pursed flying alternatives, such as skydiving and parachuting. Well, if you still want to follow this dream of flying, you might want to consider driving a car in the sky.
A powered parachute is more like manoeuvring a family car above the land, only with flexible wings. It's a recreational activity combining parachute wing technology with an engine.
Here are some advantages of using a powered parachute:
You Don't Need a License
You need several hours of training to operate this kind of parachute but you don't need a lot of experience or pass a number of qualifications before you're able to drive one.
In fact, there's no need to get a pilot's license since this machine is classified as an ultra light vehicle.
It's Relatively Inexpensive
Compared to jets or airplanes, this type of power parachute is considerably less expensive. A parachute like this usually costs about the same price as a family car. Annual regular maintenance is usually about $1,000 a year. It runs on premium auto oil.
It's Convenient
Unlike other powered aircrafts, this parachute doesn't need a runway to take off from or to land on. A considerable stretch of smooth field will do.
It's Easy to Operate
Its popularity could be largely attributed to its ease of operation. If you're a car driver, chances are you could learn to drive this one too.
It's Safe
Sports type parachuting, while classed as an extreme sport, doesn't necessarily mean that it has a high injury or fatality rate. In fact, about 30 plus people in every 100,000 die in this type of sport activity.
The same statistics hold true in powered parachuting. In fact, this is considered the safest available aircraft used in recreation.
Deployment of the canopy isn't really a problem since the aircraft would not leave the ground if the canopy failed to open.
Aircraft Stable
The aircraft doesn't stall and is fairly stable because of the pendulum effect of the hanging cart. In case the engine dies, the aircraft is designed to glide safely to the ground.
Feels like Flying
It provides the experience of flying. Not everyone has the money to rent a private jet or to fly his own airplane. But anyone who can afford to buy a second or a third car could buy an aircraft that will let him explore the sky.
The handler can fly as high as the engine allows and as low as "just above the ground". You could fly at around 10,000 feet and glide down or just hover around the treetops to take in the view down below.
A constant speed of 30 miles per hour will allow you to enjoy the experience without worrying about whether you're going too fast or too slow.
Powered parachutes were designed specifically for people who once dreamt of flying; and have their inherent advantages.
If you can't tolerate the adrenaline rush of sky diving or BASE jumping, perhaps this recreational powered aircraft could be a good alternative for you.
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