WELCOME...

To a world of magic and wonder, a world that one can only experience from slow & low above, in the colorful skies of southwest Utah

As you will see via the website we offer everything from a 1st flight experience, to Sport Pilot & FAA Instructor certifications.

A POWERED PARACHUTE is a chance to fulfill your childhood flying dream!

Experiencing the safe, slow & low flying characteristics of POWERED PARACHUTE, will definitely enhance your outlook on life!

 

 

New Spor t Pilot PPCL (Powered ParaChute Land) Training & Reference DVD

– is ready for shipping $69

and includes SP LSA Courseware by Tim Bayer (a $20 value)

Please click on the DVD graphic for details, or CLICK HERE to ORDER

 

SPORT PILOT TRAINING CLASS - STARTING in JUNE - still have available for the entire 11-day program ($4195 complete); or for individual training modules that need to be filled! (call for price on the training needed)

 

NEW PRESS RELEASE!

HUGHES AERO welcomes a new CEO, as they incorporate the systematic programs of PPC Flight Training (UL, SP & PP) to their factory operations.  (CLICK for Adobe Press Release)

 

HOME <> TRAINING <> MAPS

It's not just a physical high to fly a powered parachute, it is a spiritual exhilaration!

About Powered Parachutes...

History

Powered Parachutes is one of the safest and perhaps one of the most unique forms of flight ever invented.  These ultralights, which were first experimented with in the early 60’s by Notre Dame University, became a commercial sport (Freedom Flyers & ParaPlane) in 1983 and have grown steadily in popularity since.  They have become renown for their safe flight records.

In August of 2000, the World Championships for powered parachutes began.  The annual PPC Championship competitions are currently hosted in Hurricane, UT - prior to the premier Utah Color Country Chute FESTIVAL.

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Lowell Farrand

The first test pilot to fly a ram-air powered parachute.  Lowell worked with Dr. Nicolas (sp?) at Notre Dame University.

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PPC (RAV) vs ATV

ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicles) have nothing over a RAV (Recreational Aerial Vehicle).  Your PPC will use roughly 4 gallons of gas per hour.  This gas usage is comparable to ATV’s, but you will have an Eagle’s eye-view of the world while in your RAV – and usually a smoother, cleaner ride!

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Experimental aircraft

For a vehicle to be considered an experimental aircraft…

1. The aircraft must be built by the owner
2. It needs to be registered with the FAA
3. Only certified pilots can fly the aircraft
4. The condition requires that only the owner or a certified mechanic do the repairs and maintenance.
5. And, the aircraft cannot be used for training or any commercial use.  It is conditionally for recreational purposes only. 

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PPC vs GA (General Aviation aircraft)

Wow!  Perhaps there are more differences here than similarities between the powered parachute and a conventional certified aircraft.  The only obvious common facet between the two aircraft maybe that they both fly.  The biggest difference is the stable pendulum system of the PPC.  The pendulum effect of the PPC causes the PPC to be more flexible, and to react relatively more slowly to changes. 

The average recreational GA pilot flies about 35 hours/year compared to 50 hours for the PPC pilot.

The weather is a larger factor, in preventing the PPC pilot from flight.

People will flock around a PPC landing, and hardly notice a GA aircraft airport landing.

A GA pilot's flight experience is generally a boring event surrounding by the short but enjoyable take-off and landing.  A PPC pilot's flight is exhilarating from start to finish.

A PPC can easily be trailered to any location for scenic flights.  Ask a GA pilot how scenic a flight can be from 2000 ft at 120 knots!  Then ask them how many deer they jumped or coyotes they chased.  Or when was the last time they had only 90 minutes, and yet decided to go for a flight!

Perhaps the bottom line is: If you want to go from Point A to Point B, go GA, but if you want to experience the true sensation of flight, it's the PPC!

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US Ultralight vs European Pilot requirements

No medical is currently required for a U.S. ultralight pilot (and with the onset of the Sport Pilot, only a valid Driver's License will be needed to meet the medical qualification.  However, the European pilot must pass blood tests, EKGs, tread mill stress tests, and high vision standards. 

Training:  While the Europeans require 300 hours of ground instruction, the average North American PPC pilot is lucky to have 3 hours.  A European pilot applicant must take a radio examination, separate from his flight check.  And in Europe, every airport has "landing fees," including touch and go’s. And there is a fee to utilize ATC services.

The list of regulations and expenses go on and on.  The cost of a private pilot license in Europe is $9,000 - about the cost of a single seat PPC in the U.S.

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3 Wheels vs 4

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Semi-Elliptical vs Rectangular Ram-Air wings

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PPC vs PPG

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Gyrocopter vs PPC

The Gyrocopter handles much better in the wind.  And it is very versatile. But it requires constant pilot attention.  And a single pilot error is more likely to be fatal.  Whereas a PPC will practically fly itself and as long as you are careful where you fly.  A ‘pull-over’ is usually the worst pilot error - and from this event - pilots walk away from, usually without even a scratch!

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Aerochute (Australian PPC) vs PPC

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"Sport Pilot-PPC Training Manual" and the "UL-PPC Guide & Training Manual" are
copyright by  SkyTrails Ranch, Inc.

All other products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to Info@SkyTrailsRanch.com <> Phone: 435-656-0800
Copyright © 2007 SkyTrails Ranch, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last modified: Friday May 30, 2008.