page_title: Powered parachute
hierarchical_section_title: Powered parachute
caption_attribution_description: English: Single-seat Buckeye Legal Eagle powered parachute ultralight aircraft with parachute wing stowed
context_page_description: A powered parachute, often abbreviated PPC, and also called a motorized parachute or paraplane, is a type of aircraft that consists of a parafoil with a motor and wheels. The aircraft's airspeed is typically about 25–35 mph. PPCs operate safely at heights ranging from a few feet off the ground to altitudes as high as 10,000+ ft, but typical operating heights are between 500 and 1500 feet above ground level. Equipped with a 5-15 gallon fuel tank, PPCs can typically be flown for about three hours before requiring refueling. They have very short take-off and landing rolls, sometimes less than 100 ft.
  PPCs are among the least expensive aerial vehicles, and are considered a cost-effective way to become an aviator. A new single-seat PPC may cost as little as $10,000, while a two-seat PPC starts around $20,000. Top end two-seat PPCs usually cost $35,000, depending on options. The empty weight of a PPC can range from 200–500 lb and payload can be upwards of 500 lb.
context_section_description: A powered parachute, often abbreviated PPC, and also called a motorized parachute or paraplane, is a type of aircraft that consists of a parafoil with a motor and wheels.  The aircraft's airspeed is typically about 25–35 mph (40–60 km/h).  PPCs operate safely at heights ranging from a few feet off the ground (while ground skimming, a popular use of the aircraft) to altitudes as high as 10,000+ ft (3.05 km), but typical operating heights are between 500 and 1500 feet (150–500 meters) above ground level (AGL).  Equipped with a 5-15 gallon fuel tank (depending on the engine and weight limitations), PPCs can typically be flown for about three hours before requiring refueling.  They have very short take-off and landing rolls, sometimes less than 100 ft (30 m).
  PPCs are among the least expensive aerial vehicles, and are considered a cost-effective way to become an aviator.  A new single-seat PPC may cost as little as $10,000, while a two-seat PPC starts around $20,000.  Top end two-seat PPCs usually cost $35,000, depending on options.  The empty weight of a PPC can range from 200–500 lb (90–225 kg) and payload can be upwards of 500 lb (225 kg).
  In the United States, many of the smallest single-seat PPCs are flown under 14 C.F.R. § 103 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and are classified as ultralight aircraft, which allows them to be flown without a license or flight instruction.  Flight instruction is, however, highly recommended, and an average student can learn to fly a PPC safely with 5 to 10 hours of flight instruction.  Two-seat PPCs are classified as light sport aircraft in the United States, which means the pilot must have at least a sport pilot certificate issued by the FAA to fly them.  A minimum of 12 hours of flight instruction, including 2 hours of solo as a student pilot, is required to obtain this certificate.  Powered parachuting is not to be confused with powered paragliding.
caption: A powered parachute with its wing stowed.
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