Powered Parachute Flying Handbook
 

Chapter 12 — Night, Abnormal, and Emergency Procedures

Engine Failure on Climbout

Urgency characterizes all power loss or engine failure occurrences after lift-off. In most instances, the pilot has only a few seconds after an engine failure to decide the course of action and execute it. Unless prepared in advance to make the proper decision, there is a chance the pilot will make a poor decision, or make no decision at all and allow events to rule.

The altitude available is, in many ways, the controlling factor in the successful accomplishment of an emergency landing. If an actual engine failure should occur immediately after takeoff and before a safe maneuvering altitude is attained, it is usually not advisable to attempt to turn back to the field from where the takeoff was made. Instead, it is safer to immediately establish the proper glide attitude, and select a landing area directly ahead or slightly to either side of the takeoff path. Complete the landing in accordance with the next section.

In the event of an engine failure on initial climb-out, the powered parachute is typically at a high pitch angle with the cart well in front of the wing. When the engine fails, the cart swings back under the wing and the wing can surge forward bringing the PPC into a temporary and potentially dangerous dive. If the engine-out occurs close to the ground, and the wing starts to surge out in front of the cart, it is necessary to immediately flare the wing to slow the surge. Gradually release the flare when the forward surge is controlled and the wing is back overhead in a normal flying position.

 
 
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