Medical Restrictions
If you have any medical conditions (eg. heart conditions, seizures, ect.) you must inform the pilot of the issue. Note: It is recommended that you do not participate in this activity if you have a condition that can cause problems in flight.

What to Expect at a Typical Introduction Flight

Meet the Pilot
Upon arrival at the air field you will meet the SkyChutes UFIE (Ultralight Flight Instructor Examiner) certified pilot, Mark Bayer. You will then be shown the powered parachute. The pilot will explain all of the parts of the craft and answer any questions you may have.

Preflight Inspection
Mark will prepare the craft by doing a preflight inspection. While inspecting the machine, Mark will describe the steps he is performing to familiarize you with the PPC.

Warm up Engine, Deploy Canopy
Before starting the engine, the pilot will yell, "Clear Prop", to alert any bystanders that the motor will be starting. For safety, the pilot will still call, "Clear Prop", before starting the motor even if there is no one near the aircraft. The engine will be warmed up to verify it is operating properly. After the engine is warm, and proper operation is verified, it is shut down. The canopy is laid out on the ground and the lines are inspected in preparation for the flight.

Put on Communications Helmet, Buckle in
At this point you will be ready to put on your communications helmet and sit on the back seat of the PPC. A safety belt is used to buckle the passenger into the seat. The pilot will check your harness for a proper fit. Once the passenger is secure, the pilot will sit on the machine and strap himself in.

Clear Prop! Take Off
While sitting in the front seat, the pilot will look back to insure that the propeller is unobstructed. As before, the pilot will yell, "Clear Prop", to aleart any bystanders that the motor will be starting. When the engine starts, there is a slight vibration from the motor. This engine vibration is normal and should not be cause for alarm for the first time flyer. After the engine start, the pilot will check the flight instrumentation. Next you will begin the taxi and take off roll. As the pilot applies throttle the machine will roll forward. The chute will immediately inflate and begin to move above the cart. While on the take off roll, the pilot will check to see that the chute is fully inflated and ready for flight. After the pilot visually inspects the inflated chute and control lines, he will then go to full power and within a few seconds you will be airborne, gaining altitude quickly.

Flying in Your Comfort Zone During the flight you will be in constant contact with the pilot through the communications helmet. If at any point you feel uncomfortable tell the pilot. The pilot will fly the craft to accommodate your comfort level, or will land if your desire is to shorten the flight. Altitude is Your Friend As with any aircraft take off, you may feel butterflies in your stomach as you leave the ground. The pilot will need to gain altitude to get to a safe flying zone. Pilots of any type of aircraft are often heard to repeat the mantra, "altitude is your friend". At around 300 feet altitude, the pilot will throttle back and the craft will settle in for level flight. The pilot will circle the air field to be in close proximity for landing if you discover that the flight is making you uneasy. Aerial Tour Just sit back, take a deep breath and relax. Look around at the sights below you. Often people will stop and wave at flying powered parachutes. The pilot will point out features during the flight. If there is a slight wind you may notice the that cart will swing gently. Do not be alarmed, this is normal and is safe. Powered parachutes are one of the safest forms of flight. The performance and configuration of the air craft has been designed to maximize safety.

If you Bring a Camera, Bring a Strap If you bring a camera you can take pictures during the flight. Note: If you bring a camera, we require a that the camera have a strap and that the strap is secured to your wrist. Anything falling from a flying aircraft (such as a dropped camera) becomes a dangerous projectile as it hurdles to the ground. Video cameras are also allowed on board for the flight. Again, a safety strap is required. Safety, Always At Sky Chutes we promote a safe sport and do not tolerate unsafe practices. We pride ourselves on making you, the customer, safe and comfortable. We appreciate your business and we understand the value of a satisfied customer. Our goal is for you to have a pleasureable experience which you talk about favorably and want to repeat.

Introduction Flight Pricing
The cost of an introduction flight is $60 for a 1/2 hour of flying.

Contact us for intro flight arrangements and scheduling.