Note:
Specific answers to many of these questions will depend upon certain variables
including wind conditions, payload weight, temperature, humidity, pilot skill,
field conditions and proper engine performance. Consequently, any reference to
flight performance contained in the answers that follow is approximate data
which may not apply to a given set of actual circumstances.
Q:
What is a
Dragonfly?
A: It is a
self powered flying parachute. It is very simple to operate. Most important, it
is a very safe way to fly.
Q:
Do I need a
pilots license?
A: No, and
very little training is required to become proficient in the safe use and
operation of a Dragonfly. The
Dragonfly is within the limitations
prescribed in Federal Air Regulations 103.
Q:
How long does
it take to learn to fly a
Dragonfly?
A: Individuals
without any prior flight experience generally require about 2 to 4 hours of
instruction for their first solo flight.
Q:
Why
is the
Dragonfly so easy to fly?
A: It is
basically stable and has only two controls - left and right steering with your
feet and a throttle to climb or descend.
Q:
What
makes the
Dragonfly so stable?
A: The
pendulum effect provides self compensation stability and therefore makes it
extremely difficult to stall or spin.
Q:
How fast does
it fly?
A: Basically, at a
constant airspeed of 30 m.p.h..
Q:
Can it stall
or spin like an aircraft?
A: In
conventional flight, an aircraft wing must have sufficient forward velocity to
maintain lift. This characteristic is pilot controlled through both attitude and
throttle. Unlike a conventional aircraft, powered parachutes are basically a
constant speed vehicle. Consequently, it is extremely difficult to slow the
speed sufficiently to cause the it to stall.
Q:
What inflates
the canopy?
A: The
forward motion of the vehicle combined with the wind, forces air into the
openings on the leading edge cells of the canopy, thereby pressurizing the cells
and giving the canopy the shape of a wing required for flight.
Q:
Can you take
off by yourself?
A: Yes.
Q:
What happens
if the engine quits?
A: In the event of
an engine out condition, the powered parachute continues to glide forward at 30
m.p.h. with descent rate of about 300 ft/min. Directional steering is controlled
through the canopy, therefore, not dependent on the engine power. The pilot
steers the very same way with engine or without.
Q:
How long can
the
Dragonfly
fly on one tank of gas?
A:
Although actual flight times will depend on pilot weight and atmospheric
conditions, the typical time ranges from 4 - 5 hours with a 5 gallon tank.
Q:
How
is the
Dragonfly transported?
A: Most
people use a trailer. It will also fit in the back of a standard size pickup
with proper tie-down or strapping.
Q:
What is the
altitude capability?
A: The
Dragonfly's
altitude capability will vary according to atmospheric conditions, gross weight
and proper engine adjustment. Altitudes of several thousand feet are attainable,
but most powered parachute pilots enjoy flying within 500 - 1000 feet above the ground.
Q:
What is the
maximum pilot weight?
A: Maximum
recommended pilot weight is 220 lbs.
Q:
What
are the maximum acceptable wind conditions in which the
Dragonfly may be flown?
A:
Non-gusting winds of less than 10 m.p.h. are recommended for beginner pilots.
Wind conditions for recreational flying should not exceed 15 m.p.h..
Q:
What is the
wing made of?
A: The
wing is a "Ram-Air" parachute made of rip-stop nylon which is specially treated
to resist ultraviolet rays. The canopy has the construction to withstand the
high shock loads of free fall skydiving, a stress far beyond powered parachute
loads. With proper care the canopy should give years of service.
Q:
How much room
do you need for take-offs and landings?
A: The
take-off and landing distance varies with environment, engine performance, pilot
technique, terrain, wind and payload conditions. In most cases, a pilot weighing
220 pounds
with standard humidity and at sea level can lift off within 200-300 feet after
adding full power. Landings can be made in a much smaller area depending on the
skill of the pilot.
Q:
How
does the
Dragonfly respond in gusty wind conditions?
A:
Although it is not advisable to fly in gusty winds,
the vehicle will exhibit some rocking motion while the airfoil adjusts to the
gusts. This adjustment does not require pilot correction and is a result of the
pendulum effect.
Q:
Can the
powered parachute be flown in the rain?
A: The
powered parachute is a recreational flying vehicle and should not be flown in
any adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, hail, poor visibility,
high or turbulent wind conditions.
Q:
Can the
powered parachute be flown year round?
A: Yes.
If you have a question that is not
answered here please contact us
by clicking HERE and we will gladly try to answer any
questions you have
about the Dragonfly or Powered Parachuting
in general.
"The
Dragonfly Team"
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