Frequently Asked Questions
Simply remove the parachute from its bag and lay it out in an inverted fashion behind the craft. As you begin your take-off roll, the forward motion of the craft, the wind if any, and the prop blast is enough to quickly bring the chute up overhead of the craft. Once it is fully inflated and centered overhead, go to full throttle and you'll be off and flying. Click here to see a more detailed explanation as to how the chute is inflated.
Yes. Simply lay the chute out as described above. Even with a little wind or even a fair breeze, the inverted layout will keep the wind from the leading edge thus preventing the chute from inflating until you are ready.
Steady surface winds of less than 4 mph for students, less than 8 mph for low-time pilots, and ideally no more than 12 mph winds for experienced pilots as gusting conditions are usually associated with winds of that velocity. Generally, the higher up you go, the stronger the winds become and at 26 mph headwinds you become a "hovercraft". Strong gusting conditions will accentuate the normal motion of the powered parachute, making your flight less comfortable and will hinder smooth landings.
While on the ground, a single hand control stick turns the front wheel. While in the air, foot rudder pedals are pushed, push left to turn left, right to turn right, proportionate to how much you wish to turn. Your hands are kept free unless you adjust the throttle to climb or descend.
How Fast Can I Go?
The powered parachute is what is known as a "constant airspeed vehicle." This is the speed at which the powered parachute moves through the air, and it cannot be changed. The throttle control only affects climb & descent rates, not how fast you are going. On average, the airspeed of a Blue Heron powered parachute is 25-30 mph. You will takeoff, cruise, climb, descend, and land at 25-30 mph. Your relative ground speed (how fast you are flying over the ground), however, will vary depending on wind conditions. A 10 mph headwind will result in a groundspeed that is 10 mph less than the constant airspeed, and a 10 mph tailwind will have the opposite effect: you will be going 10 mph faster over the ground than your constant airspeed.
How High Can I Go?
The Blue Heron has a ceiling of around 10,000 feet (also the FAA restriction for altitude), however most pilots regularly fly around 300-1000' above the ground. The "low & slow" capabilities of the powered parachute is truly what makes it a special aircraft.
Depending upon fuel capacity, pilot weight, throttle settings and weather conditions, your flight time will vary. The Blue Heron models have either a 5 or a 10 gallon gas tank, and will burn 3-4 gallons/hour. In a 2-seat plane (Marathon) with a 10 gallon fuel capacity, with no wind and at 26 mph, flying for 2.5 hours will let you travel 65 miles with fuel left in the tank in reserve.
Is It Dangerous?
The powered parachute is inherently safe due to its pendulum-like stability and its ram-air parachute/wing. The fact that this craft’s wing is a parachute means that from the time it leaves the ground until it lands, it has a safety parachute deployed. If the wind or thermal conditions become unfavorable, the pilot will be uncomfortable well before he is unsafe, thus allowing him ample time to land and fly another day.
Is It Hard To Learn
To Fly?
Move a hand lever to turn left or right on the ground. Push a foot bar to turn left or right in the air. Increase or decrease throttle for altitude adjustment. THAT’S ALL THERE IS TO IT!!! It’s really that simple!
Actual instruction to fly the craft varies based on the individual and FAA requirements, but usually can be accomplished in approximately 10 hours with a flight instructor. The two-seat Marathon requires a minimum of a Sport Pilot rating to fly, while the Spirit 103 has no minimum requirements.
A powered parachute is priced comparable to high-end road bikes, snowmobiles, and jet skis and uses high octane auto gasoline. The cost of Blue Heron powered parachutes range from about $12,795 for a single seat plane, to about $21,000 for a 2-seat machine. Click here for detailed pricing information on the Blue Heron.
After the initial expense of purchasing your Blue Heron, there is very little upkeep required compared to any other type of aircraft. There are no FAA requirements for expensive, mechanical annuals or mandatory FAA certified mechanics. What little maintenance there is, is so simple you can do it yourself quite easily. When your engine has accumulated sufficient hours to require an overhaul, a complete rebuild, including parts and labor, will only cost around $400.
General aviation ground school and flight training will cost in the neighborhood of $3,000. Fixed-wing ultralight training is usually between $700-$900 (even if that cost is just hidden in the craft price). Flight training for your Blue Heron will cost $250/hour. Click here to learn more about flight training.
Since a powered parachute is a constant airspeed vehicle, the craft is almost impossible to slow to an airspeed where lift and forward momentum are not maintained, with or without power. Its pendulum stability makes it virtually impossible to stall, loop, roll or spin this type of craft.
Your Blue Heron can either come in a kit form for you to assemble with common home-shop hand tools in about twenty-five to forty hours, or as a fully assembled plane for additional cost (click here to see pricing options). The advantage in assembling it yourself is that you know where every nut and bolt is on the craft enabling you to make a good pre-flight each time you fly, and most first-time builders report they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Most powered parachute pilots use small utility trailers to transport their planes. They can also be nosed into the bed of a pickup, full or mini sized. If not stored in an enclosed trailer, a garage or utility shed will easily accommodate a powered parachute.
The New England area has a strong local flying community, many of which belong to the New Hampshire-based flying club called the Granite State Sky Riders. Visit the club's website for more details, and to sign up to become a member. It's free!