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Chapter 7 — Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
Centering the Wing
The steering controls can be used to reduce the wing’s
side-to-side oscillation, or assist with the centering of
the wing during the rolling (takeoff) preflight. For example,
if the wing is far left of center, and is beginning
to move back to center (from left to right) you can add
some left control pressure to slow the wing’s (right
moving) inertia and thus keep it from overshooting
the center position above the cart. Or, if the wing is
far right of center and you want to begin the wing’s
motion back to its normal and safe position above the
cart, you could help initiate the wing’s motion to the
left by applying slight left steering pressure.
Encourage Cell Openings
During the pretakeoff roll (when building and verifying
your wing before takeoff—particularly if operating
on a soft field) you may find it useful to press
the pedals multiple times, and hold it (about half a
second) after the wing comes overhead. This has
two beneficial uses. First, it assists with opening the
outside cells by temporarily increasing internal wing
pressure, pushing the air forward and transfering the
pressure out to the tips. Second, it helps confirm the
steering lines are clear of any impediments, ensuring
they are not caught on or wrapped around any outrigger
tubing or obstructions.
“Lock-out” Avoidance
Improper canopy layout, wind conditions, or inappropriate
throttle movements during the initial building
of the wing during your takeoff roll may cause the
wing to “lock-out” or stall behind the cart at a 30 to 45
degree angle on its rise. To correct the lock-out, reduce
power and push both steering controls simultaneously
out in a flaring motion until the wing is pulled back
to where the tail is almost touching the ground. Then
rapidly release the flare so the wing “sling-shots” up
and overhead of the cart. Note: This method is not
recommended with elliptical shaped wings, as these
wings, with their reduced drag, may over-fly the cart
and land ahead of the rolling cart.
Crosswind Takeoff
Powered parachutes have very limited crosswind capability.
You should take off directly into the wind. If
the wind is slowly changing direction and the powered
parachute is positioned to take off into a crosswind, it
is better to wait and see if the winds will change back
to headwinds before committing to a takeoff. If winds
are changing direction very quickly, the flight should
be cancelled.
Sometimes there is only one runway and the winds
are blowing across it. It is still possible to take off,
but it will involve positioning the powered parachute
so the initial inflation and roll will be into the wind. If
you fly at a field that has only one main runway, you
must be familiar with the principles and techniques
involved in crosswind takeoffs or not fly when there
is a crosswind.
Positioning the Cart
In all but the lightest of crosswinds, it is still a good
idea to position the powered parachute into the
wind. Lay out the powered parachute wing directly
into the wind, as you would for a normal takeoff.
[Figure 7-5]
Wing Inflation and Kiting
The initial inflation and kiting should be done as it
would be for a normal takeoff. As soon as the wing is
overhead and flying, steer the cart into the direction
desired for takeoff. This procedure requires practice
coordinating the controls for the ground steering and
the wing. The wing needs to be producing some lift
before the turn can be attempted. This may mean a
more aggressive inflation and kiting if the takeoff area
is relatively small.
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