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License Requirements for Powered Parachutes

Powered parachutes offer an easy, fun way for new pilots to experience the joy of flight. These unconventional aircraft consist of an open airframe suspended beneath a curved parachute wing. An engine, a propeller, one or two seats, wheels and flight controls are attached to the airframe. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the operation of powered parachutes. You need an FAA-issued pilot certificate, commonly called a pilot's license, to fly some types of these aircraft.

Categories of Powered Parachute Aircraft
- The FAA recognizes two categories of powered parachute aircraft. The ultralight category includes powered parachutes with one seat, an empty weight of less than 245 pounds and a fuel capacity of 5 gallons or less. The maximum allowable speed is 63 mph, although most ultralights travel slower than 30 mph. The light-sport aircraft category includes powered parachutes with two seats, and aircraft that have one seat and weigh more than 245 pounds. The FAA has different regulations for ultralights and light-sport aircraft.
Requirements for Flying Ultralights
- You do not need a pilot certificate to fly ultralights. There is no minimum age, and no requirement for special training. You must obey FAA airspace rules and operate your aircraft in a safe manner. To ensure that you have the knowledge and skills to fly safely, consider taking lessons from an instructor with ultralight experience. You can locate ultralight instructors through the FAA, local flying clubs and ultralight dealers.
Requirements for Flying Light-Sport Aircraft
- The FAA requires you to have a pilot certificate to fly light-sport aircraft. Current pilots with at least a recreational certificate can fly these aircraft without any additional training. New pilots need a sport pilot certificate with a powered parachute rating. To earn your certificate, you must complete a training program with a qualified instructor, log at least 12 hours of flight time, pass a knowledge test and demonstrate your flying skills to an FAA-designated examiner. You must be at least 17 years old and proficient in English to obtain a sport pilot certificate.
Medical Requirements
- Pilots of light-sport aircraft must meet FAA medical fitness standards. You can usually use your state driver's license to fulfill this requirement. Any restrictions on your license, such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses, also apply when you operate an aircraft. If you don't have a valid driver's license, you must obtain an FAA medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner. This requires a brief physical exam to confirm that you are healthy enough to fly. You do not need a medical certificate or driver's license to fly ultralights.

Aviation