Federal Aviation Administration - Powered Parachute Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-29)

. The evolution of powered parachutes.

Different terms have been used throughout the powered parachute community. [] The terms standardized throughout this book are as follows:

• Powered Parachute The complete aircraft.
• Cart The engine and seats, attached by a structure to wheels; may also be referred to as the fuselage, cockpit, chaise, or airframe.
• Wing Typically a ram-air inflated and pressurized wing including lines that attach to the cart. The wing is not in position to fly until the aircraft is in motion; when not inflated, referred to as a parachute or chute.
  

  . Two-place powered parachute aircraft.

. The powered parachute has some unique operating characteristics as compared to other light-sport aircraft. Left, PPC with inflated wing; middle, weight-shift control aircraft; right, fixed-wing LSA.

You may not act as pilot in command (PIC) of a light-sport aircraft powered parachute unless you hold a pilot certificate with a powered parachute rating issued by the FAA. At this time the only pilot certificates with powered parachute ratings are Student, Sport and Private. The FAA is empowered by the U.S. Congress to promote aviation safety by prescribing safety standards for pilots and the other civil aviation programs. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), formerly referred to as Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), are one of the primary means of conveying these safety standards.

Title 14 CFR, part 61 specifies the requirements to earn a pilot certificate. This regulation also states the pilot applicant must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. The FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) establish the standards for the knowledge and skills necessary for the issuance of a pilot certificate. [] You should reference both these documents to understand the knowledge, skills and experience required to obtain a pilot certificate to fly a powered parachute.

. The PTS is used to test the knowledge and skill of a pilot applicant.

Pilot applicants must have a valid U.S. drivers license or a current third-class medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67. If you use your valid drivers license to exercise the privileges of a Sport Pilot certificate, then you must also adhere to any restrictions on that drivers license. You must hold a current third-class medical certificate to exercise the privileges of a Private Pilot certificate.

The process of learning to fly includes a combination of ground training (to include successful completion of the FAA Knowledge Exam) and flight training to include dual flights with a certified flight instructor (CFI), as well as solo flights under the supervision of your CFI.

To be eligible to fly solo in a PPC, you must be at least 16 years of age and demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a test developed by your instructor. You must have received and logged flight training for the maneuvers and procedures in 14 CFR part 61 for the PPC, as well as demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety. Only after all of these requirements are met can your instructor endorse your student pilot certificate and logbook for solo flight.

Once you obtain the required aeronautical knowledge and experience required by 14 CFR part 61, your flight instructor will endorse you to take a practical test (often called a checkride) with a sport pilot examiner (SPE) or an FAA inspector. After youve demonstrated satisfactory aeronautical knowledge and skill in the Areas of Operation and Tasks outlined in the PTS, this examiner or inspector will issue your temporary (paper) pilot certificate. You will receive a plastic certificate in the mail once the results of the practical test are received by the FAA Registration branch.