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Central Oregon Powered ParaChute Club has a meeting

Image of Tom Doerr flying over the Three Sisters. Copyright© 2006 by Q. Meyers. All Rights Reserved.

Here is some information about Powered Parachutes from Q.:

Hello Robert-
You asked for a brief description of what we fly and how it works, so here it is.

The machines are called Powered ParaChutes or PPCs for short. The machine consists of a 3 wheeled cart with one or two seats, a 45 to 65 hp engine turning a pusher prop, and a 400 to 500 sq. ft rectangular ram air parachute used as a wing. The PPC can be kept in a standard garage and hauled around on a small trailer.

Launching the machine involves laying the chute out behind the cart, starting the engine, and accelerating slowly until the chute pops up and centers overhead. Open the throttle farther and the machine lifts off at about 30 mph in about 200’. Once in the air the speed is a constant 30 mph. Add more throttle to go up, less to go down. Push the right foot pedal to go right, the left to go left. That’s about it. There’s no worry about stall. You don’t have to keep an eye on airspeed as you would in a fixed wing aircraft. The pendulum effect of the cart hanging below the wing is inherently stable. If the engine should quit you simply glide down while still being able to steer, then land.

The PPC is a great platform for aerial photography because of the wide-open view and the fact that it will fly indefinitely with no input from the pilot. Your hands are free for operating the camera. Vibration is minimal and the speed is slow. You can safely fly at 10’ or 10,000’.

There are now about 20 PPC pilots/owners here in Central Oregon. We fly from local airports, farmer’s fields, dry lakebeds, forest service and BLM roads. Flying a PPC is an early morning activity, preferably beginning at sunrise because that’s when one finds the smooth, calm air.

Central Oregon with its amazing scenery, calm winds, and clear skies may be the world’s best place to fly a PPC.
--Q

I accepted the Club's invitation to come to a Powered ParaChute meeting in Bend Oregon

Q.

Mike Lockling, Six Chuter, Inc.

Copyright© 2006 by Robert Speik. All Rights Reserved.

Another Observation:
Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 11:41 AM
Subject: Your Team!

Mike, Nic...just wanted to drop you guys a brief note with observation.

I have had the pleasure of flying a few times this past year with the Central Oregon powered parachute pilots who fly from the Madras Airport. Curious that I have been flying these for so many years now and have never previously taken the time to hang out with you and the other pilots there.

As you know I travel a great deal so am exposed to the local PPC cultures in many other areas around the Pacific N.W. I have to say that I am more than a little impressed with the Central Oregon group. Beyond the fact that you all are just a bunch of very friendly people, the level of professionalism that is always evident with your flyers really makes it a pleasure to be in the air with everyone. It seems to a person your pilots are always safe and very well trained.

This past weekend we tested Tom Downs and Bill Walton for their Sport Pilot privileges. They knew their stuff and therefore successfully attained this achievement and are great examples of the level of pilot you have in your area. And we were in the air with numerous others at a very active airport. I was just really impressed with the radio discipline, the safe and consistent traffic patterns and the overall conduct of the group who were at the airport. The welcome that you guys get from the airport manager and other pilots at this airport reveals the positive reputation that everyone has managed to develop there.

As you and Nic remain in leadership positions in Central Oregon I just want to thank you for your ongoing efforts to keep the sport alive, safe and well. I look forward to getting in the back seat, without hesitation, with any of your pilots who are as professional, and skilled as Tom, Bill, you and Nic and the others that fly from Madras.

Sincerely,
Doug Maas, FAA DPE