Powered Parachute Landing Techniques

A powered parachute is a lightweight flying vehicle that uses a parachute to fly. These offer a low-cost way to experience flight without all the training, equipment and facilities that becoming a licensed airplane pilot requires. However, operators must take caution and be cognizant of the weather when taking off or landing to avoid hurting themselves and the craft.

  1. Standard

    • The standard powered parachute landing technique uses engine speed to control the rate of descent. Ease off the engine throttle to reduce RPMs until the craft starts to descend. The operator can manipulate the throttle to change the rate of descent to allow the craft to land in a designated area. Once the powered parachute's wheels touch the ground, collapse the parachute canopy to eliminate the risk of being dragged by the wind.

    Unpowered

    • An unpowered landing should only be attempted by an experienced pilot unless there is an emergency. If landing a stalled craft, it is essential to steer it to an open area. Let the craft glide until you are within 10 feet of the ground. Then, fully extend both steering bars, causing the parachute to flare. Flaring the parachute causes one side to come down, turning and lifting the craft temporarily. This technique is difficult but will allow for a smooth, quick landing when necessary.

    Emergency Landing

    • Pilots of powered parachutes should prepare for emergency landings due to equipment failure or extreme weather. In an emergency situation, a pilot might be forced to land within a wooded or mountainous area that offers no landing area. Find the lowest area of trees possible or largest flat area on a mountain, slow the engine speed if it is still running and perform a flare maneuver just before landing to slow the craft and minimize injury. For wooded landings, it is critical that you leave the parachute open for impact so it snags on the trees and keeps the craft suspended.

    Safety

    • Preparation for a powered parachute flight is essential to a safe takeoff and landing. Perform a pre-flight inspection of the craft and parachute to ensure that they are ready for flight. Have a pre-determined flight path and landing location. Use an aerial map to locate emergency landing locations as a precaution. Keep a first aid kit on board to treat injuries from crash landings in remote areas. Carry a cell phone or an emergency radio to alert others of your location if you have to land somewhere other than your predetermined location.