Most powered parachute incidents occur during the takeoff. This is because unlike most other types of aircraft, a powered parachute needs to create the airfoil before flight can be attempted. This critical process happens during the takeoff roll. The importance of thorough knowledge, faultless technique, and judgment cannot be overemphasized.

Although the takeoff and climb is one continuous maneuver, it will be divided into four separate steps for purposes of explanation:

Normally, the process is considered complete when the powered parachute has reached a safe maneuvering altitude, or an enroute climb has been established.

Refer to Chapter 5 to understand wing inspection, a separate procedure from wing layout. There are several ways to successfully lay out a powered parachute wing. What an instructor teaches is usually determined by the terrain, wind conditions, wing shape, and personal preference. There are two major layout methods: the inverted method and the stacked method.

The inverted method of laying out a wing involves spreading it out with the bottom surface of the wing facing up like a blanket on the beach. [Figure 7-1] The trailing edge of the wing is positioned closest to the cart and the leading edge is pulled out as far behind the cart as it will lay without pulling the cart backwards.

This method allows for a clear inspection of the wing and the attachment points of the suspension lines. It also allows the propeller blast on most carts to go over the wing, keeping it from inflating too early.

The main advantage to the inverted method is that when the cart rolls forward on the takeoff roll, it pulls the leading edge (A-lines) before it pulls the other suspension lines. This allows for a quick inflation of the wing. However, the inverted method is prone to lifting at the edges of the wing when there is wind. The wind can get under the corners of the wing and blow it up and back before you are ready to take off which can delay the proper inflation of the wing during the takeoff roll. Keep in mind that if the wind is blowing hard enough to lift the wing from its layout position, the flight conditions should be reviewed before continuing with the flight.

The stacked method of laying out a wing involves piling the wing up like an accordion with all of the suspension lines stretched out as far as possible to the rear of the cart. [Figure 7-2] The pilot can choose to change from the inverted layout to the stacked method on days where a slight wind is blowing or if the pilot is concerned with the condition of the takeoff area. Pavement or areas of the ground not covered in grass in the takeoff runway will make it necessary to get the wing off the ground with as little ground drag as possible to avoid tearing or jeopardizing the integrity of the wing fabric and/or lines.

With the wing spread out in the inverted configuration and the lines inspected, you can pull the cart forward to tighten all of the lines. This will begin the stacking process. When the slack has been removed from all lines, the pilot then goes back to the wing and finishes the stacking process by hand. This usually means taking the trailing edge of the wing and tucking it under the rest of the wing.

To complete the process of stacking the wing there are two options for laying out the leading edge. Generally, if there is no wind you may want to leave the leading edge open on top of the stack. If it is a little windy, take the leading edge and tuck it behind and under the rest of the wing. By “hiding” the leading edge over and under the rest of the wing, the wind will blow over the top of the stacked wing without catching the open edges of the wing cells. When you start the takeoff roll, the leading edge is pulled forward and up, is exposed to airflow and begins a quick inflation.

The FAA regulations require the pilot to brief each person on board on how to fasten and unfasten his or her seatbelt and, if installed, shoulder harness. This passenger briefing should be accomplished before starting the engine, to include information on the proper use of safety equipment and exiting the aircraft. You should also inform the passenger as to what to expect during takeoff, flight, and landing, what feelings and jolts are normal, what to do if the cart should roll over, and what to do if the engine fails. Make sure passengers are aware of the hazards and risks of a moving propeller and educate them on the necessity of keeping items secured so they don’t get sucked through the propeller. Help them to secure their helmets (if worn) and explain how to control the intercom. Show them where to put their hands and feet and make sure any cameras or equipment are secure. A passenger should be aware that an aborted takeoff is always a possibility. Tell them everything depends upon the wing—if the wing does not inflate properly, or does not inflate and rotate in time to take off and clear an obstacle, the engine will be shut down. Finally, emergency procedures should be discussed. At a minimum, it should be explained that in the case of a rollover, the passenger should keep arms and legs inside the protected areas of the cart. In case of an accident, the passenger should not be holding onto a part of the structure that could hit the ground or an obstacle and hurt their hand or any other part of their body. The informed passenger is a safe passenger and one that will enjoy the flight.