Powered parachute

Powered parachute (motorized parachute, powered paraglider, PPC, PPG, paraplane) is a paraglider with motor and possibly wheels. Their speed relatively to air is 18-27 mph (30-45 km/h), and their height is typically 150-1000 feet (50-300 meters), albeit it might be as high as 18000 feet (5.5 km) (the world record) or as low as 10 inches (25 cm). They can fly for 1.5-3 hours. A new one-person powered parachute typically costs under $10,000, making them the cheapest motorized air vehicles. Their weight is typically around 50-100 lbs (15-30 kg). This sport does not require a license (in USA), and can be learned in 5-7 days by an average student.

PPGs are safer than light planes because, if the motor were to fail the PPG will not crash but rather descent slowly. They are more maneuvrable than light planes, increasing their recreational value. PPGs do not need an airport to take off and land and can be used in any area which is not populated by humans or houses (although not in a vicinity of airports).

Bodyweight of more than 100 pounds (45 kg) and the ability to run 5-20 steps, depending on the wind, with a PPG on their back are required to participate in this sport. It is recommended that PPGs not be used during a strong wind, or at night.

In addition to recreation PPGs are used for photographing, in agriculture, and occasionally by a law enforcement agenices.

The first powered paraglider (the P-1) was created by Steve Snyder, Adrian Vandenberg and Daniel Thompson in March 1981. The total flight time was 25-30 seconds, and the paraglider suffered from torque problems. It took 2 years for them to fix these problems, and in 1983 they formed the ParaPlane corporation to produce first commercial paragliders.