Learning to Fly

Not only are powered parachutes extremely safe, they are relatively easy to fly as well. The fundamentals are simple. Give it gas you go up, push the rudders to go left or right. There is however, much more to learn to be a safe and competent pilot.

Your FAA certified flight instructor will train you to have many years of safe and fun flying. Not only will you learn to fly the aircraft, but you will learn how to operate out of an airport environment, weather, navigation, basic maintenance, how to conduct a pre and post flight inspection, and much more.

Once you have made the commitment to begin training, you will need to purchase a few books and supplies.

• FAA Powered Parachute Handbook. This is a free publication from the FAA and can be downloaded in PDF format here.  It is also available in paperback format from several retailers including Amazon.com.
• The most current FAR/AIM manual
• Current Memphis sectional
• Study guide for the written Sport Pilot Powered Parachute exam. There are several study guides on the market including the Gleims book.
• Most current Practical Test Standards. This is your guide for the "check ride" to receive your license.

Not required, but a great guide to helping you pass the practical test is Paul Hamilton's Sport Pilot Checkride book.

You are strongly encouraged to begin reading the study guide for the Sport Pilot written exam as soon as possible. This is one of the biggest hurdles to completing the sport pilot license process. My recommendation is to go through the study guide and just highlight the correct answers. Then go back and read each question and the correct answer only. These guides contain the actual questions you see on the test. When you are ready to take the written test, you must get a CFI to endorse your logbook. The FAA knowledge test is required before you can take your checkride.

For our first flight, we will meet at the North Little Rock airport to inspect your powered parachute and begin teaching you how to conduct a Pre-flight (if you want to start training but don't yet have a PPC, we can arrange the rental of one). Next, you will learn how to lay-out the wing and inspect it for flight. The first time in the air, we will fly with you in the back seat where you can observe and listen.

After a few hours performing "touch and go's", learning the airport environment, and becoming proficient at flying, it will be time for your first solo flight. You must first obtain a student pilot certificate from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner or from your local Flight Standards District Office.  You will also have to pass a written test from your CFI that ensures you are properly prepared to fly solo. Once you have these items and your CFI puts an endorsement in your logbook, you are allowed to legally fly by yourself.