Easy Flight - Options for Private Pilots Wanting to Fly Powered Parachutes

You are most of the way there already!

If you're a private pilot that would like to transition to powered parachutes or just pick it up as an additional privilege, you're already in very good shape. The FAA recognizes the work you've already done to become a pilot and does not expect any given amount of time for you to train in powered parachutes before you are able to get your endorsement. However, they are concerned that you do achieve the same standards that others do. That likely means some amount of training on the equipment you intend to fly.

Additionally, you also have some of the same opportunities to fly that others do such as ultralight versions of powered parachutes as well as (for a very short time) the training exemptions.

Part 103

Like anyone else, if a pilot pilot wants to fly a single seat, 254 lb. or less empty weight, 5 gallon or less fuel capacity powered parachute, there are no regulatory requirements for training. The prudent pilot certainly seeks out some training since there are basic differences in the category from other types of flying. However, the amount of training required is determined by the pilot and not by the regulations.

Exemptions to Part 103

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the United States Ultralight Association (USUA) and the Aero Sports Connection (ASC) still maintain ultralight training exemptions to Part 103 that allow individuals to fly two seat powered parachutes for training purposes only. Unfortunately, those exemptions are scheduled to expire on January 31, 2008 and aren't expected to be renewed. Moreover, there really isn't any kind of break given to private pilots that want to become ultralight instructors. At this point, if you aren't already an ultralight instructor, this avenue is not very productive.

Flying a Non-N-Numbered Powered Parachute

As of this writing, most two-seat powered parachutes on the market do not have N-numbers. This is a situation that will change over the next year. By January 31, 2008, if a machine isn't N-numbered, then it won't ever be N-numbered and it won't be able to fly legally again. That makes it prudent for those that want to protect their investment in their aircraft to N-number it. But in the meantime, how does someone legally fly one of these ultralight trainers?

The first way is to be a BFI or UFI with one of the above mentioned organizations. The equipment can be used for two seat training operations as long as the operator is a BFI or UFI and the powered parachute is registered as an ultralight trainer.

The second way is to be an ultralight student. As a student working with a BFI or UFI, you can fly a two seat machine as long as it is a registered ultralight trainer, you are in student status, and you are endorsed to fly solo by a current BFI or UFI.

Flying an N-Numbered Powered Parachute (solo)

If a machine is already N-numbered as an EXPERIMENTAL Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) then as a current private pilot you can fly the machine SOLO without any training. That is one of the bigger benefits given private pilots.

The pertinent Federal Aviation Regulation is §61.31(k)(2)(iii)(B). It says, "The ratings limitations of this section do not apply to the holder of a pilot certificate when operating an aircraft under the authority of an experimental certificate, unless the operation involves carrying a passenger."

Of course if you want to take somebody with you, you will need to get the proper endorsement for powered parachutes. Until then, you are able to fly one legally by yourself. Remember, these are the rules regarding flying a powered parachute without the correct rating:

You must be a current private pilot
The powered parachute must have an experimental certificate.
All operations are SOLO operations.

Flying an N-Numbered Powered Parachute (with a passenger)

If you want to fly a powered parachute with a passenger, then you must get the proper category endorsement. The only endorsement available as of this writing is the Sport Pilot endorsement. The regulations have allowances for private pilot endorsements, but those haven't become available. Easy Flight should have one of the first private pilot programs available once they become a reality.

If you're a private pilot that wants to get a sport pilot powered parachute endorsement, you must first work with a powered parachute CFI in order to complete your initial training. That CFI can then recommend you to another powered parachute CFI for what is called a proficiency check. The proficiency check is nearly identical to a DPE check ride except that:

You don't have to pass a knowledge test if you hold a pilot certificate.
You don't have to complete a minimum amount of training before the proficiency check.
It can be done by another powered parachute CFI instead of a DPE.

Once you have completed the proficiency check, you will be able to take passengers along for the ride IF you are also current. If you haven't been flying for awhile, you will need to also have a flight review. The good news is that the flight review can be done in a powered parachute and you don't have to have a medical.