Flying these strange contraptions, pilots are often asked the same questions. Here is a list of 10 popular Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What’s it like to fly in a powered parachute?
I often refer to flying in a PPC like the flying you do when you dream. You are out in the wide open, skimming the tundra at a slow speed taking it all in. With little effort you climb to soaring heights to pique your curiosity. You are perched high above, no longer earth bound.

2. What if the engine quits?
Like most aircraft, the engine quitting is quite rare. All aircraft can glide with the engine off. Some just better than others. The PPC is exceptional at gliding well with the engine not producing thrust. In fact, many fly-in competitions involve an event where you shut the engine down and try to land on a precise spot. I once climbed to just over 10,000 feet, shut the engine off, then glided for nearly 20 minutes before making a powerless landing. Here is the video. Its quite easy and safe!

3. How do you take off and land?
You don’t have to roll out of a C-130, or go really fast down a mountain. All you have to do is layout your wing behind you, and as you add power, the wing inflates and generates lift. For landing, you line up into the wind and you decrease power. This is where great instruction comes in!!

4. How far can you fly?
The average speed is about 30 miles per hour in no wind. 2 hours is a safe guesstimate for fuel burn so technically you could probably fly about 60 miles.However, its much more fun to just fly around!

5. How much does a PPC cost?
This is a really varied answer and depends on the market. New can cost anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 dollars. The used market has great prices right now.

6. What kind of fuel do you use?
Most PPC's use the 2 stroke Rotax engine and will burn regular automobile gasoline.

7. Are they safe?
They are one of the safest aircrafts you can fly! With a low speed, and a parachute above your head, your chance of an accident WITH proper and adequate training is very low!

8. Do I need a license?
If  you plan to fly a 2 seat PPC (your going to LOVE sharing the joys of flying with others!) then you will need a Sport Pilot License. This is a huge improvement over the days of pilots having very little training. In as little as 3-5 hours with an instructor, you can begin to solo fly a PPC. After 10 hours, you can test for your license!
If you are wanting to fly a single seater, then you are not required to have a license, but you must obey the part 103 rules

9. What does it cost for training?
GREAT training is not cheap. Remember that CFI's (FAA Certified Flight Instructors) had to go through formal training to get where they are. They had to spend time and money to get the privilege to teach this great sport. For more information about learning to fly with Firefly Aviation, click here.

10. My significant other may not let me have one. Would you talk them into it for me?
Just have them go for an intro flight! I have never taken anyone up flying that didn't like it! Once they experience the joy of flying in a powered parachute, they will be begging for you to get one!