Why Fly an Ultralight Powered Parachute

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

You fly a PPC because you're smart. No stalls, no spins, and low speed. Low and slow is AWESOME FUN! If you fly in high pressure, clear (no clouds), and low wind, you are pretty much safe. The traditional square shaped, ram air chute is best for safety. My 2¢. P.S. I think your cat might want to go up.

[@donshields4470]

Hello, Robert. I am still a fan. Hope you are well and this flying season is fun and safe. Have a great spring and summer.

[@toyotadiesel]

In regards to the frame, I had the pleasure of rolling a quad Dragonfly end over end (think nascar) and walked away without a scratch. Buckeye had that frame dialed in by the time they were making the Dragonfly.

[@robertworkman5620]

Yes, the frame is designed for strength and durability. Your experience confirms this. Thanks for sharing this with everyone.

[@donshields4470]

Merry Christmas Robert! Thanks for the videos.

[@robertworkman5620]

Merry Christmas to you. My step mother passed away this summer and had to spend a lot of time with my dad so did not get much flying in.

[@clerissonmesquita]

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, have a great day, keep it up the outstanding job.

[@ClydeWayneCrewsJr]

That was terrific. In the 90s i flew one of the original "ParaPlanes" with a 2 hour "ground school." (don't laugh). I want to get back in but not the backpack units for sure, only "low and slow" and wheels for me too. Yet nearly everything online/youtube is the PPGs not the rectangular wings, and the companies i remember like Buckeye and Six Chuter seem out of business, or to have transferred ownership, or to have low-tech looking "blogger" websites. Advice on a vendor or shopping and who's reputable w/b much appreciated; and i do think i found the unit you're flying, but just wanted to check.

[@robertworkman5620]

I bought mine from Brian Taylor, owner of the Taylor Flight Park and the rights to build the Buckeye Dragonfly ultralight. You can see his web site at buckeyedragonfly.com He is located in Cassopolis, Michigan. It is well built. The only things I needed to replace since I bought it 5 years ago was a muffler and a battery. The square chute inflates very easy. I think it has been at least 3 years of flying since the chute did not come up correctly for take off on the first attempt.

[@donshields4470]

Thanks again, Robert. Hope you are doing fine.

[@andybowman9697]

Appreciate that you mentioned several items in comparison to PPG. Since there are trike and quad PPG's now, there is a bit of confusion PPC vs PPG. PPC is a bit more expensive to get into and does require a sport pilot license (in US) unlike PPG, but IMO the pros outweigh the cons.

[@robertworkman5620]

My powered parachute has a single seat, weighs less than 254 lbs, and only carries 5 gallons of fuel, which puts it in the ultralight category. It does not require a pilot’s license to fly. When I purchased my unit 5+ years ago, it cost less than a PPG. The advantage of a PPG is it has more flexibility on where you can take off and land but introduces more physical risk and equipment damage from tripping or falling during take off and landing.

[@andybowman9697]

@@robertworkman5620 Wow that adds even more confusion then lol. I been researching a bit between which I wanted to do for several months and was told PPC needs the sport pilot and 10 hours dual instruction. Perhaps that's a related to the fact that they both training businesses sold units that were heavier though. I guess weight and fuel is the deciding factor for whether the lic is required. Thanks for the clarification!

[@richarddegen6184]

@@andybowman9697 yes its weight, fuel, single seat

[@donshields4470]

Bob...I am working on a piper tri pacer and plan to get my training in it soon. Hope you are well.

[@robertworkman5620]

Wow, that is exciting! You are blessed to have this great opportunity and I know you will treasure every hour of flying it. Love to see some pictures. Maybe you can start your own KZbin channel! Above all pay attention to the details of being safe.

[@carllubbok4375]

Enjoyed your video. Im getting a Quad paramotor within month. Question: you mentioned "hands-free" , you steer the wing with your feet. Im puzzled - I thought paramotors were steered with your hands. Do you have your lines attached to your front steering rod???

[@robertworkman5620]

Most powered parachutes are steered with your feet. Paramotors have a different type of wing and are steered with your hands.

[@toyotadiesel]

You're correct, this video isn't about paramotor. That is a Buckeye Dragonfly which has foot steering. Hand only needed for throttle and ground steering. Totally different from paramotor.

[@zacharylafata5142]

You sold me 👍🏼

[@donshields4470]

I did enjoy the video! Will you give us some flight videos? You would give us more info when you take us flying with you.

[@robertworkman5620]

Take a look at my other flying videos on KZbin.

[@donshields4470]

Viewed again. Many thanks. Merry Christmas.

[@armysnoopy1562]

Sir, what kind ppc do you have ? Is there a website for me to look at ? Did you get it fully assembled with engine and everything? I like the one you have. And your videos are great. Thank you.

[@robertworkman5620]

It’s called a Dragonfly and I purchased it new, fully assembled, including the engine. Unfortunately my understanding is they are no longer available.

[@rabaham]

Thank you Robert, great info. I want to get into flying and this info is great. What you recommend to buy as an entry-level. My objective is eventually to take my wife flying. I.e two seaters

[@robertworkman5620]

Just keep in mind that a 2 seat powered parachute requires a pilot’s license.

[@dalesclafani6361]

Thanks Robert lived you’re video I have a paraplane Osprey it has a 2stroke Rotax 503 which is a great engine but I really want to convert to a 4stroke does yours have the Honda or generic motor And what wing is on it ? Thankyou for making this !!

[@robertworkman5620]

It's a 33 hp, v-twin, generac engine. Time between overhauls is 6000 hours. I fly a ASAP 380 Mustang wing. I am very satisfied with both.

[@thomascoscetta6452]

Great info. How much does it cost to get your model ppc? Where did you buy it and how about instruction. Thank you. Tom C

[@robertworkman5620]

Information on the cost and where to purchase a dragonfly is at buckeyedragonfly.com. I live in Virginia and got my training from a certified powered parachute flight instructor, Mr. Jensen, in Lynchburg Virginia. I got 10 hours of training in a double seat powered parachute with dual controls. Understanding weather and deciding acceptable flying conditions is also a must to safe flying. I use the weather apps "Windy.com" and "Ryancarlton.com" .

[@AlpineWarren]

What model PPC are you flying?

[@robertworkman5620]

I fly a single seat Dragon fly. It’s an ultralight so no pilot’s license is required with a 4 stroke engine.

[@RunIntoTheSkyNonprofit]

What’s the difference between a PPC AND PPG?

[@robertworkman5620]

A Powered Parachute (PPC) has wheels, has a larger engine, is heavier, and flies on average 10 mph faster than a Powered Paraglider (PPG). PPCs are usually more stable in higher winds due to their extra weight and power compared to Powered Paragliders.

[@RunIntoTheSkyNonprofit]

@@robertworkman5620 ok...so PPC is not like a PPG on a quad... I get it now...TY

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Great video..I start my PPG training tomorrow in SW Florida..

[@peteyfly1]

Hi Paul- Where in SW Florida? I live in Port Charlotte-

[@paulaubuchon2336]

In Englewood...

[@greggschachterleppc2769]

What make and model of the machine did you purchase? Do they come in Trike format? Thank you.

[@robertworkman5620]

It is a Dragonfly and yes it comes in a trike configuration. The advantage of the 4 wheel set up is it has a shorter wheel base and it is narrower to allow it to be transported in a pick up truck bed or a standard utility trailer.

[@greggschachterleppc2769]

Robert, Thank you for your quick response! I would love to visit with you further about Powered Parachute’s. Would you be open to a phone call? If not, I certainly understand and we can continue to communicate via email. I cannot remember if you have a four stroke or two-stroke on your powered parachute. I really lean towards a four stroke since I have quite a history with Motorcycles and find them to be a lot less maintenance and more reliable. I will include my phone number if you want to give me a call. Thank you and enjoy the day! This was all done voice to text so please forgive any miss spellings or words out of context. 308-440-5209 Sent from my iPhone

[@frisk151]

Almost a bunch of nothing. It's NOT rocket science. Plenty of fun environmental factors.. "BUT".