Easy Flight · Inspection Course
Know Your Aircraft. Inspect It Yourself.
Learn to perform and document the annual condition inspection on an eligible experimental powered parachute you own. Easy Flight’s focused, two-day course combines classroom instruction with practical inspection training—and prepares you to apply for your FAA repairman certificate with an inspection rating and powered parachute privileges.
2 days · 16 hours · Maximum 8 students · $595
FAA-accepted course LSRIPP 082601 · Lunch included both days
An Inspection Your Aircraft Already Needs
Owning a powered parachute involves more than fueling it and going flying. For a certificated experimental powered parachute, the FAA-issued operating limitations normally require a documented condition inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months before flight.
This inspection evaluates whether the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. It is more comprehensive than a routine preflight, and its result must be recorded in the aircraft’s maintenance records.
After successfully completing this course and receiving the appropriate FAA repairman certificate, you can perform and sign that inspection on an eligible experimental powered parachute you own, subject to its operating limitations. FAA repairman privileges
Five Ways This Course Creates Value
- Meet a recurring FAA requirement. Learn to perform and document your aircraft’s required annual condition inspection.
- Understand your aircraft. Know what to examine, recognize signs of deterioration, and evaluate what you find.
- Reduce recurring costs and scheduling difficulties. Become less dependent on finding another authorized person to perform your inspection each year.
- Protect your aircraft’s value. Clear, consistent maintenance and inspection records help demonstrate its history and condition, supporting buyer confidence and marketability when you sell.
- Become a more informed buyer. Learn to review aircraft records, recognize potential problems, and ask better questions before purchasing a powered parachute.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is for powered parachute owners—and future owners—who want to learn a systematic approach to inspecting their aircraft. You do not need a pilot certificate or previous aviation-maintenance experience.
It may be a good fit if you want to:
- Perform the annual condition inspection on your own eligible experimental powered parachute.
- Better understand the aircraft you already own.
- Evaluate a potential purchase with more knowledge and confidence.
- Learn about powered parachutes before or alongside flight training.
The inspection rating is an owner-inspection qualification. It does not authorize annual condition inspections on aircraft owned by other people or on Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA).
If you want broader maintenance and inspection privileges, including qualifying work on SLSA powered parachutes and customer aircraft, consider the Maintenance course. These are separate programs: you can enroll directly in either one. The Inspection course is not a prerequisite for Maintenance. Students who complete the Maintenance course do not also need this Inspection course.
Planning to Buy a Powered Parachute?
You can benefit from this course before you buy your first aircraft—even before you begin flying lessons.
An aircraft’s appearance tells only part of its story. Its registration, airworthiness certificate, operating limitations, and maintenance records help establish what it is, how it has been cared for, and which inspection requirements apply.
Learning how to review those documents and examine the aircraft can help you recognize missing records, signs of damage or deterioration, and questions that deserve answers before money changes hands. That knowledge can help you avoid expensive surprises and unnecessary hassle after the purchase.
The same recordkeeping habits matter when you eventually sell. A well-documented history helps a prospective buyer understand the care your aircraft has received. Clear records can support buyer confidence and the aircraft’s marketability.
You will also learn to recognize when a finding calls for help from someone with additional expertise.
What You’ll Learn
Every subject supports one practical goal: conducting a complete annual condition inspection and documenting a sound conclusion about the aircraft’s condition.
- Your rating and its limits: Understand the owner-inspection privilege and the FAA application process.
- Aircraft documents and records: Review registration, airworthiness certificates, operating limitations, maintenance history, and inspection status.
- Inspection guidance: Find and use manufacturer instructions, checklists, applicable airworthiness directives, and relevant service and safety information.
- Weight, balance, and configuration: Understand how equipment changes and aircraft configuration affect the inspection and safe operation.
- Inspection methods: Recognize corrosion, cracks, deformation, excessive wear, deterioration, and other discrepancies.
- Powered parachute components: Examine the airframe, landing gear, controls, wing, suspension lines, attachment points, engine installation, supporting systems, and propeller.
- Inspection documentation: Record findings and prepare the appropriate condition-inspection entry in the aircraft’s maintenance records.
How the Two-Day Course Works
This focused, 16-hour course teaches aircraft systems, regulations, and recordkeeping through the work of performing the annual condition inspection. Every topic supports that practical goal.
Learn the Process
Classroom instruction introduces the requirements, documents, and technical information you need before beginning an inspection. Practical exercises connect that information to an actual powered parachute.
The course follows a consistent method:
Prepare → Reveal → Inspect → Evaluate → Document
You will learn how to prepare for the inspection, gain access to components, work through the aircraft systematically, compare findings with appropriate guidance, and record the result.
Evaluate What You Find
Recognizing a questionable condition is only the beginning. You must determine what it means, identify any unresolved discrepancies, and know when additional technical assistance is needed. The emphasis is on using evidence and applicable instructions to reach a sound conclusion.
Learn Alongside People Who Share Your Interest
Learning about your powered parachute should be an enjoyable experience. With a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunity to ask questions, the course combines focused instruction with the pleasure of spending time around aircraft and people who share your interest in flying.
Group classes offer a chance to meet other powered parachute pilots and future owners, exchange experiences, and make new connections in the sport. Lunch together both days gives everyone time to talk, share flying stories, and get to know one another.
Enrollment is limited to eight students, allowing time to examine components, discuss findings, and participate directly. There is no minimum enrollment: Easy Flight will conduct a scheduled class even if only one student registers.
Complete the Examination
At the end of the course, you will take a written examination covering the material taught. Students who complete all 16 hours and pass with a score of 70 percent or higher receive a course completion certificate to support their FAA application.
Learn with Roy Beisswenger
Roy Beisswenger has been flying and teaching powered parachutes since 1993. His experience includes training recreational pilots, flight instructors, dealers, and government personnel.
Roy was one of four authors of the FAA’s Powered Parachute Flying Handbook. He also wrote Roy’s Powered Parachute Book, now in its second edition.
Course Schedule and Class Size
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Course length | 2 consecutive days / 16 hours |
| Daily hours | 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break |
| Class size | Maximum 8 students; no minimum enrollment |
| Florida location | Marion County Airport, Dunnellon, Florida |
| Illinois location | Greenville Municipal Airport, Greenville, Illinois |
| Lunch | Provided both days at the training location |
| What to bring | Paper and a pen or pencil |
Handouts, the training aircraft, and inspection equipment are provided. Lunch at the training location gives you time to eat, relax, and enjoy the break before the afternoon session.
Tuition and Registration
Tuition: $595 per student
A $200 deposit reserves your seat. The remaining $395 is due 30 days before the course begins. For registrations within 30 days of the course, payment in full is required.
Tuition includes classroom instruction, practical inspection exercises, printed course handouts, use of the training aircraft and inspection equipment, lunch both days, and the final examination. Easy Flight also explains the FAA application process.
Choose Your Course Date
Submit a seat request for your preferred course date and location. Easy Flight will confirm availability and provide payment instructions.
Your seat is reserved when Easy Flight receives the required payment and confirms your enrollment.
What Happens After the Course?
After successfully completing the training and examination, you’ll receive a course completion certificate. You then apply to the FAA for the repairman certificate that authorizes you to exercise the inspection privileges.
- Complete the training and pass the examination. Attend all 16 hours and earn a score of at least 70 percent on the course examination.
- Receive your course completion certificate. Easy Flight issues the document showing that you successfully completed its FAA-accepted course.
- Apply to the FAA. Complete FAA Form 8610-3 and arrange an application review with your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Have your course certificate, photo identification, and other required supporting documents available. Easy Flight will explain the process.
- Receive your FAA repairman certificate. Once the FAA issues the appropriate certificate, you may exercise its privileges on an eligible powered parachute you own, consistent with your certificate and the aircraft’s operating limitations.
There is no separate FAA knowledge test or flight checkride for this rating. Your course completion certificate does not expire. FAA training and application guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the annual condition inspection the same as a preflight inspection?
No. A preflight is the check you make before flying. The annual condition inspection is a more comprehensive examination, performed by an authorized person and documented in the aircraft’s maintenance records. Your aircraft’s operating limitations specify its inspection requirements.
Do I need to own an aircraft or be a pilot to attend?
No. You can take the course before purchasing a powered parachute or beginning flight training. Aircraft ownership limits when you can exercise the inspection rating’s privileges; it is not a requirement for attending the course or obtaining the certificate.
Do I need previous maintenance experience?
No. The course begins with inspection fundamentals and develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct a systematic inspection.
What are the FAA eligibility requirements?
For the FAA to issue the certificate, you must be at least 18, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, successfully complete the required FAA-accepted training and written test, and present evidence to the FAA. A pilot certificate is not required.
Is this course FAA-accepted?
Yes. Easy Flight’s powered parachute inspection course is FAA-accepted under course number LSRIPP 082601.
Which powered parachutes may I inspect?
The rating applies to aircraft you own in the category and class, as applicable, covered by your training and certificate. Eligible experimental certification bases include §21.191(g), (i), (k), and (l). This includes qualifying Experimental Light-Sport and Experimental Amateur-Built powered parachutes. The aircraft’s operating limitations must also permit the inspection to be performed by a light-sport repairman.
It does not cover Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA) or aircraft with standard airworthiness certificates. If you are unsure which certificate your aircraft holds, contact Easy Flight before enrolling. FAA inspection-rating privileges
What about an older Experimental Amateur-Built powered parachute?
Some older aircraft have operating limitations that do not permit a light-sport repairman to perform the condition inspection. You may need to request amended operating limitations from the FAA before exercising your rating on that aircraft. Check the actual documents rather than assuming the aircraft qualifies because it is amateur-built. FAA guidance on older amateur-built aircraft
What if my aircraft is registered to an LLC, trust, or shared ownership arrangement?
Each applicant must qualify individually for the certificate. To exercise inspection privileges, you must have a qualifying ownership interest and be identified as an owner in the FAA registration records. If the aircraft is held through an LLC, trust, or another shared arrangement, contact Easy Flight about the documentation to review with the FAA. FAA ownership guidance
Can I inspect someone else’s aircraft? What if I buy another one?
The inspection rating does not authorize condition inspections on aircraft you do not own. If you later purchase another eligible experimental powered parachute, you may inspect it within your certificate privileges and its operating limitations.
How is this different from the Maintenance course?
This course teaches you to conduct and document the annual condition inspection on an eligible experimental powered parachute you own. Aircraft systems and discrepancies are discussed in the context of that inspection.
The 14-day Maintenance course adds practical training in servicing, troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance records. It prepares you for broader privileges, including qualifying work on SLSA powered parachutes and customer aircraft. You can enroll directly in Maintenance; its inspection training means you do not need to take both programs.
Can the course help me evaluate a powered parachute before buying it?
Yes. Understanding aircraft documents, inspection records, and common discrepancies can help you evaluate a prospective purchase and ask more informed questions. It can also help you recognize when specialist assistance is needed. Completing the course does not authorize you to sign a seller’s annual condition inspection using an owner-only inspection rating.
What if I don’t pass the final examination?
If you do not pass on your first attempt, Easy Flight provides additional instruction and a retest at no additional charge. We’ll review the areas that need attention and help you prepare for another attempt.
Does the certificate expire or require renewal?
The FAA repairman certificate has no routine expiration date; it remains effective unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked. Your course completion certificate does not expire either. You remain responsible for keeping your knowledge current and meeting the requirements for the work you perform. FAA certificate duration; FAA training guidance.
Is this an online course, and do I need to attend the full program?
Both days are taught in person, with classroom instruction and practical inspection exercises using an actual powered parachute. Plan to attend the complete two-day program; successful completion requires all 16 hours and passage of the course examination.
What should I bring?
Bring paper and a pen or pencil. Printed course handouts, the training aircraft, and inspection equipment are provided. Lunch is provided at the training location both days.
Will the course be canceled if too few people register?
No. Easy Flight has no minimum enrollment. We will conduct a scheduled course even if only one student registers. Your class will not be canceled because of low enrollment.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
If you cancel at least 30 days before the course begins, Easy Flight will refund payments made above your deposit. You may transfer your deposit once to another scheduled course.
For cancellations fewer than 30 days before the course begins, payments are nonrefundable. A transfer may be available if your seat can be filled or exceptional circumstances apply. Please contact Easy Flight as soon as your plans change.
What if Easy Flight cancels my course?
If Easy Flight must cancel your course, you may choose a full refund of all course payments—including your deposit—or transfer those payments to a future course.
Ready to Know Your Aircraft—and Inspect It Yourself?
Whether you already own a powered parachute or are preparing to buy one, start with a practical understanding of the inspection process and the records that support it.
Join Roy Beisswenger for two focused days of powered parachute inspection training.
FAA-accepted course LSRIPP 082601 · $595 · Lunch included both days
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For help choosing the right course or reviewing your aircraft’s eligibility, contact Easy Flight.