I’ve decided I need a more docile machine to fly.  The Nirvana is snappy and responsive… perhaps a little too much so for me.  I have therefore decided to get a powered parachute and sell the Nirvana.  So what is a P3 Lite?

 

It is a Far Part 103 legal single seat aircraft.  Like a PPG it uses a parachute to generate lift but the parachutes are markedly different.  A PPC parachute is squared off and not eliptical like  most PPG chutes are.  The due to the smaller spans and heavier vehicle weight the PPC is not as flighty in turbulence.  However, you still want to fly one of these in mostly calm or low-wind conditions.

Another aspect that I like is that I don’t have to strap in as tightly in the PPC as I did in the PPG.  One seat belt and two shoulder harnesses are all that’s required and they don’t have to be worn tightly.   In the PPG you have to first fly the wing, then steer the trike on the ground.  With the PPC,  the wing pretty much flies itself.  Just hold your ground speed down until it stabilizes and then slowly increase throttle.  Once in the air you steer with your feet rather than your hands.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this part!

The biggest difference I have found between PPG and PPC is how they land.  In my opinion a PPG is more difficult take off than it is to land.  In the PPG you float down gently and only a slight amount of brake pressure is needed about 3 feet above the ground to flare and land.  The landing roll is generally about 10 feet or so.  In the PPC you have to begin applying brake pressure via the rudder bars 20 feet or more above the ground.  Since they are so much heavier you may even have to add a small amount of power to touch down lightly.  Ground roll is more on the order of 30 to 50 feet.  Still not a long ground roll but something you must be aware of.

One change I had the factory make when I ordered it was to have bigger tires and a front brake installed.  I also ordered a 4 blade prop which I have since removed and replaced with a 3 blade prop.

When I purchased the PPC I also purchased a cargo trailer to store it it.  It does double duty as a hangar on wheels and also a place to sleep when I go to fly-ins.