Powered parachuting in Europe is in its infancy, however in the USA this industry has grown rapidly and is now a major part of the aviation industry. This is not surprising as its the safest aircraft that you can fly, even if the engine fails you have a parachute already deployed, and the best part is that your not enclosed inside a cabin.
A powered parachute, paraplanes. No matter what you call them, they are a lot of fun, a real outdoor adventure. Flying in a powered parachute low and slow taking in the view of the countryside, seeing things like rabbits scurrying about trying to get away from a predator like a coyote, or maybe deer or elk in some parts of the USA. Flying in a powered parachute allows you to safely get low over the open countryside, giving you a spectacular view, allowing you some great photo opportunities.
- Flying, an age old desire, and in this day and age, anyone can fly. But flying in a 737 is more like riding in a bus than the
fantasy we dream about. At 35,000 feet, the scenery is interesting for an hour or two, but the real fun is soaring at bird speed, just above the tree tops. - Those with a really intense desire to fly have probably looked into getting their general aviation license, contemplated spending the thousands of dollars and many hours required to get a license, more thousands of dollars to buy a plane, and more yet to rent hanger space, and maintain the aircraft. And after all that, they realise that flying a Cessna is fun, but not at all what they had dreamed of.
- In the early 80s, a new flying machine was invented, the powered
parachute (PPC). Crude at first, it has evolved into the ultimate personal flying machine. Able to fly slowly just above the tree tops, or ascend to over 10,000 feet, safely, affordably, and comfortably. The PPC is indeed the ultimate personal flying machine. - I know, it seems too good to be true, but thanks to technology, almost anyone can live their flying dreams with a PPC. The basics of flying a Powered Parachute can be learned in as little as one afternoon. Buying one will cost less than the family car, and no license is required. It can be stored in the garage, and towed to the airstrip on an inexpensive trailer. Most maintenance can be performed by the owner.
Flying in a Powered Parachute is pure pleasure. No worry about stall or spin. You can just relax and enjoy the experience. Speed is slow, about 26 mph at all times, although climb rate is comparable with many (general aviation) GA aircraft. Wind in your face is minimal at 26 mph, and your hands are free for taking unbelievable photographs.
Powered Parachutes Courses & Experiences in California from Extreme Sports Cafe
A little History of Powered Parachutes...
The Powered Parachute is the safest FUN way to experience the joys of flight. Even if you've never flown before or if you're a licensed pilot with many hours of flight time, it will be the Ride of Your Life!
- Your first flight will consist of an instructional flight in our 2-place trainer, the Powrachute Pegasus, allowing you to get the feel of what it's like. Extreme Sports Café now offers you the chance to experience Powered Parachute Flight in sunny California.
The Development of the ParaPlane...
The development of the first mass-produced powered parachute took approximately two and one-half years. As aeronautical Engineer, Steve Snyder, was implementing and perfecting the use of square ram-air parachutes, which had properties of a lifting wing, he found that increased glide ratios were developed. He therefore assumed that if the person or payload suspended under the chute had some thrust added, the distance travelled could be extended. With more power, it could fly level or even climb. He then decided to pursue this idea with the objective of creating a safe and simple aircraft that even amateurs could fly easily.
With the help of Adrian Vandenberg, who had expertise in metalworking and machining, he completed the first basic frame design in March of 1981. Daniel Thompson, a small engine expert, was brought on to the project three months later to produce a power plant. He fitted the aircraft with two small Chrysler engines and the P-1 (prototype 1) was born.- The P-1 flew more than 10 times, once by a woman weighing 110 lbs., which allowed for better performance of the test flights. Many revisions were made during those test flights, including the addition of a vertical stabiliser, flaps, ailerons, and optimising the parachute trim.
- Ram air parachutes of the day had a flat profile and offered limited control. More anhedral (downward curve) and ribs were added to the chute ultimately giving the craft more stability and pressurisation on the P-1's parachute thus solving the control issue.
- While the parachute control solutions were being worked out, Dan came up with an improved airframe design, and with Steve's idea of folding landing gear for portability, the P-2 was completed in January of 1983. Having the propellers counter-rotating, thus cancelling out each other’s torque effect also solved the problem of torque.
- Three months later the P-3 made it's debut at the Sun & Fun Airshow in Florida. Response was overwhelming, and a Corporation was formed to produce the portable, safe, and easy to operate aircraft that the P-3 had proven itself to be.
Powered Parachute Courses & Experiences in California from Extreme Sports Cafe
Extreme Sports Café’s partner Powered Parachute in California, USA Centre offer a complete choice of flight options....
- The Powered Parachute Discovery Flight that allows you to find out for yourself what it is like to fly in powered parachutes.
- The First Flight Course, that lets you start on the flight training path, flying from the front seat of our dual controlled Powrachute Pegasus with your CFI in the back seat talking to you over the intercom while showing you how to fly the powered parachute and letting you fly the powered parachute yourself.
- The Sport Pilot training course, which brings you to the level required to fly a PPC solo, and puts you on a straight & level course to attaining your Sport Pilot rating. The flight center offer complete sport pilot training, as well as all the needed study and Sport Pilot training materials required to pass the FAA knowledge test & the practical test/check ride.
Enjoying the feel of flight while the ground seems to rush by as you follow the dips & turns….Flying in a powered parachute is the closest you may ever come to experiencing a magic carpet ride.
Powered Parachute Courses & Experiences in California from Extreme Sports Cafe
All of our Powered Parachute Courses & Experiences in california can be booked online
Who runs our Extreme Sports Courses?
Extreme Sports Cafe and it's partner run extreme sports courses and experiences worldwide including Skydiving, Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Surfing, Wakeboarding, Paragliding, Paramotoring, Climbing, Freediving, Bungy Jumping, Muay Thai, Bike Racing, Rafting, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Zorb, S.U.P, Car Hire, Insurance and more. We offer a range of exciting, challenging and fun experiences for you to enjoy whilst on holiday and will have more sports and adventure centres & schools elsewhere soon...
Where do I take it from here?
You can go on to improve and expand your horizons; develop your technique; learn new skills and enjoy more advanced courses, become an instructor and teach others, join a club and buy your own equipment and go on an extreme sports adventure safely whenever you want. Let us know how we can help...
If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to get back to us – we’ll be only too pleased to help. After all, the team at ESC are passionate about our various sporting disciplines – we want you to be, as well!
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