Category: Six Chuter P3

Airframe Done

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, Building, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

When I purchased my powered parachute it was purchased as a rolling airframe, meaning, it was completely assembled and on wheels except for the engine and instruments.  When I ordered it I asked for a few changes like thicker (turf) tires, and a front wheel brake.  Well the factory is finally done with the additions I asked for and it is ready for pickup.  Here are a few pictures that were posted in the company’s Facebook group…

I’ll be driving up to the factory to pick it up at the end of the month.  Stay tuned for more photos and the completion log.

 

Starter Install

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Building, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

When I build aircraft I like to do one small thing a day.  This is what got me through the RV-4 build and the Rans S6 build.  So that’s what I did today.  Today’s task was to install the starter.  It’s not the final installation but just to plug the hole in the engine.

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Ultra-Prop Propeller Assembly

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Building, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

I guess yesterday was really the start of the build log for the Six Chuter P3 Lite PPC but today was the first day I put something together.  I ordered a 4-bladed prop to provide a little more thrust to help offset the bigger tires and the weight they will add.  When the prop arrives it needs assembly.  The four blades have to be installed to the prop hub along with the blocks that set the pitch of the propeller.

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IMG_20170312_182700Assembly is super easy.  Put 8 bolts (with washers) through one of the prop hub halves, lay the pitch blocks in, lay the prop blades in, more pitch blocks, and then the other prop hub half.  Add 8 nylock nuts and washers and torque to 120 inch lbs.  Done!

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PPC Engine Unboxing

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Building, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

I finally got around to unboxing the engine I received on Friday.  It was a pleasant distraction given the bad news I received this morning.  It is exciting in that I can see tangible proof that my powered parachute is almost ready for me to pick up and start assembling.  Luckly the folks at Six Chuter have already built the airframe up and it’s already on wheels.  So they’ve saved me a ton of work.

Here is the airframe… MY airfame. 🙂  It still has the small tires on it.  I’ve ordered turf tires for it which will be larger and make it safer to roll across rougher ground.  I’ll be driving up to the Six Chuter factory to pick it up in a few weeks.

my-p3

The two boxes I received contained the engine, the propeller, the muffler, and assorted engine doo-dads like the starter, starter solenoid, and assorted engine gauges.

I did a quick inventory and everything seems to be there.  I’ll have to do a more thorough inventory in the coming days.  Still it was fun seeing the first pieces of my new aircraft on my workbench.

PCC vs PPG What’s The Difference?

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

I’ve had a couple people ask me what’s the difference between what I’m flying now (PPG) and the new flying machine (PPC).  The major difference is the type of parachute used.  The powered parachute (PPC) has larger air inlets and has a shorter wing span.  The parachute is more square.   The trike that you ride in is also heavier.  The powered paraglider (PPG) has a longer, more elliptical shaped wing.  The trike is much lighter.  So why would I want something with a smaller wing and heavier?  The short answer is stability.  The heavier weight and stockier wing give the craft more stability in the air.  It is also less maneuverable but I’m okay with that.   The other features of the PPC that I am looking forward to is being able to steer with my feet rather than my hands.  Steering with rudders is something pilots are more used to.  And one of the features I’ll really like is the throttle; on a PPC it is a standard aircraft throttle.  On the PPG it is a hand throttle that must be held closed for the duration of your flight.  The PPC you just move the throttle to the desired position and leave it there.  This leaves your hands completely free.

Here’s a video of the exact model of PPC that I have purchased.

Powered Parachute Progress

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

I am told that my PPC will be ready some time around the middle of March.  I’ve made arrangements to drive up there at the end of March to pick it up.  Since it won’t fit on the trailer I have I bought another trailer.  The PPC manufacturer just happened to have one that belonged to a customer that the were trying to sell.  I went ahead and bought an enclosed cargo trailer.  It will not only serve as a hangar for my PPC but will also make a decent camper.

I’ll keep a portable heater and fold up bed on board to make it a mini-toy-hauler.  I’ll also need to add a battery so I can run the lights when it’s not connected to my truck.  I’ll eventually add solar charging for the batter at some point too.

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This will come in handy when flying from other fields.  There is a very active PPC group about an hour and a half north of where I live.  It doesn’t make sense to wake up really early and drive two hours just to fly.  This way I’ll be able to drive up the night before and camp in the trailer.

Six Chuter P3 Lite

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

I had a chance to drive up to Lincoln Airport today to take a look at a powered parachute being put together.  It’s called a P3 Light by Six Chuter.  I took a close look, sat in it, and took lots of pictures.  The flying characteristics are a lot more stable and more docile.  I think at this stage in life I’m looking for a little more stable and docile.  I spoke to the owner of the P3.  He told me he used to fly PPG and there was no comparisson on how much more stable a PPC is compared to a PPG.  I think for my type of flying, low and slow, lazy cross-country flying, the PPC will be a better choice for me.

He also gave me some good ideas for equipping my P3; bigger tires, hydraulic brake, bigger front tire, heavier fork, quick release on the top section of the prop cage.  So, armed with this list I’ll be calling the factory on Monday to place my order.

Here are a few pictures of the P3 Lite…

 

I’m going to order a larger front tire and fork like this one.  Also shown is the steering bar.  You steer with your feet.  Push on the left bar to go left, the right bar to go right.  Your hands are free.img_20170211_162434

 

This unit also has the larger front fork.  An item I’m going to order as well.img_20170211_162511

I love the open front seat.  I feel very constricted in the harness of my Nirvana.img_20170211_162514

The top portion of the prop guard is removable on this unit.  I’m going to build mine the same.img_20170211_162516

I’m also going to order the larger tires as on this one.  Will make for operating in rough terrain easier.img_20170211_162525img_20170211_162533img_20170211_162535img_20170211_162555img_20170211_162610img_20170211_162620img_20170211_162627img_20170211_162641

This is the tiller.  It’s only used for ground steering.  Move it left to turn left, right to turn right.  Also has a hand brake.img_20170211_162646img_20170211_164316

Showing the front hydraulic disc brake.img_20170211_164328

From PPG to PPC

On By The Flying DutchmanIn Aviation, Six Chuter P3Leave a comment

I’ve been flying my powered paraglider (PPG) for a year now and very much enjoy it. cropped-71c26c1073fda0755088ed4e7b53d956.jpg However, one aspect I do not enjoy about my PPG is its susceptability to wind.  This past flight where I took off in calm air and then had the wind pick up before I even landed which had me trapped in my harness for a few minutes made me realize I need an aircraft that is more stable.  I have since decided that I’m going to trade my PPG for a powered parachute (PPC).  The wing (parachute) on a PPC is far more stable than a PPG.  That can also be read as far less maneuverable but I’m fine with that.

p3lite2Right now I’m leaning towards purchasing a P3 Lite by Six Chuter.  Like my PPG the P3 is classified as an ultralight aircraft.  This means that it’s exempt from most FAA regulations.  I can do all the maintenance myself and can fly it without a pilot’s license.  I have a pilot’s license so that wouldn’t be a problem but FAA certified aircraft require annual inspections from FAA mechanics.  In California where I live I’d have to pay a luxury tax on a certified aircraft.   So the two big factors in sticking with an ultralight aircraft are cost and regulation.  And in the end I believe it will be every bit as portable as my PPG is.  Plus it should be far more stable for low and slow cross country flying which is what I would really rather do.  PPG’s are more suited to aerobatics which, I’m not.

More to come.

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