Powered Parachute
Flying Handbook
U.S. DePartment oF tranSPortation
FeDeral aviation aDminiStration
Flight Standards Service
Preface
The Powered Parachute Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing
for a powered parachute category rating and for currently certificated powered parachute pilots who wish to
improve their knowledge. Certificated flight instructors will find this handbook a valuable training aid, since
detailed coverage of emergency procedures, components and systems, aerodynamics, powerplants, ground op-
erations, flight maneuvers, airport operations, and aeronautical decision making is included. Topics, such as
navigation and communication, use of flight information publications, and regulations are available in other
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different
ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in the explana -
tions of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept of flying
powered parachutes. The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles.
Occasionally the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use
of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR).
It is essential for persons using this handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of
14 CFR, the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and the Pilot’ s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
(FAA-H-8083-25), all of which are available online at www.faa.gov. Performance standards for demonstrating
competence required for pilot certification are prescribed in the appropriate powered parachute practical test
standard (PTS).
The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge codes
for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the FAA web site www.faa.gov.
The FAA greatly acknowledges the valuable assistance provided by many individuals and organizations through-
out the aviation community whose expertise contributed to the preparation of this handbook.
This handbook may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
(GPO), Washington, DC 20402-9325, or from GPO’s web site.
http://bookstore.gpo.gov
This handbook is also available for download, in pdf format, from the Regulatory Support Division’s (AFS-600)
web site.
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afs/afs600
This handbook is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airmen
Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following address.
Grateful acknowledgment is extended to the
contributors of photography for this handbook.
Contained throughout the book are photographs
by Paul Hamilton of Adventure Productions;
Jim Byers of Magazine & Design, Inc.;
Destination Flight Inc.; and Lowell Farrand;
additional cover and inside design photography
by Steve Russell.