Powered Parachute Flying Handbook
 

Chapter 3 — Components and Systems

Center of Gravity Adjustments

Each manufacturer has specific procedures in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) to adjust the CG of the cart, so that the cart is hanging at the proper nose high/nose low position—including the weight position in the cart and the fore/aft position of the wing attachment points.

As discussed in Chapter 2, the attachment points for the wing (parachute) must be adjusted for variations in pilot weight, which affect the center of gravity (CG) location of the cart.

There are typically two types of wing attachment systems: center of gravity adjustment tubes, or a bracket with a number of fore and aft attachment points. Each of these systems performs the same task. Either system adjusts the wing attachment points based on the cart CG. This is primarily based on the weight of the occupant in the front seat, usually the pilot. The rear seat occupant’s weight does not typically come into consideration when determining the CG position of the PPC, as the rear seat is usually positioned very near the cart CG. To maintain the best overall performance, the aircraft needs to fly with a slight noseup attitude, as specified in the aircraft POH.

Use the POH to determine the proper adjustment for the particular aircraft because there are many configurations and designs that vary by manufacturer, make, and model.

 
 
 ŠAvStop Online Magazine                                                                                                                                                       Contact Us              Return To Books

AvStop Aviation News and Resource Online Magazine

Grab this Headline Animator