So the St. Louis native taught himself to fly in 1992 and started his business in Greenville. Today, Beisswenger builds and sells powered parachutes and trains people to fly. About a quarter of powered parachute fliers in the world have either trained with Beisswenger or a pilot that he trained, he said. Pilots don't need a flight plan or a license, just a grassy field and a craft. Maybe a lesson or two.
Most people take their first flight in the back seat.
Then they take a two-hour class to learn basic lessons of weather and aeronautics. Most students are looking for adventure and excitement. The controls are easy. The throttle controls the altitude. More power for up and less power for down.