# Generic Powered Parachute — Normal Operating Procedures (FAA Powered Parachute Flying Handbook)

> **NOT FOR FLIGHT** — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: partial

A type-generic normal-operations checklist for certificated powered parachutes (PPC), assembled from the FAA Powered Parachute Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-12A), a US Government work in the public domain. Covers preflight documentation check, walk-around, engine start, warm-up, wing layout, before-takeoff, takeoff, cruise, approach, and shutdown. Not a substitute for the specific POH/AFM of any individual aircraft: the Handbook itself directs the pilot to the aircraft's own checklist. Items follow the sequence and wording of Chapters 5, 7, and adjacent sections of the source document.

> **content_gap**: Type-generic by construction. Every aircraft-specific limit (RPM, CHT, EGT, fuel type, oil ratio, fuel quantity) is absent; consult the POH for the PPC being flown.
> **content_gap**: The Handbook covers single-engine PPCs. Twin-engine PPCs (such as the PM-2) have additional considerations for engine synchronisation and single-engine handling not covered here.
> **uncertain_reading**: The Handbook's prose procedures have been converted to challenge/response format by the transcriber. Wording may not match the pilot's POH.

## Preflight Planning — PAVE

> **NOTE:** Before going to the field, evaluate the PAVE factors: Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressures. Establish personal minimums for each factor before proceeding.
- [ ] Pilot (experience, currency, rest, illness, medication, stress) — **FIT FOR FLIGHT**
- [ ] Aircraft (fuel, weight within limits, density altitude, required equipment) — **WITHIN LIMITS**
- [ ] enVironment (weather at departure, route, destination; NOTAMs; TFRs) — **ACCEPTABLE**
- [ ] External pressures (schedules, purpose of flight, perceived expectations) — **NOT AFFECTING DECISION**
- [ ] Weather: wind speed and direction, gusts, thermals, convective activity — **WITHIN PERSONAL MINIMUMS**
- [ ] Density altitude — **CALCULATED AND ACCEPTABLE**

## Certificates and Documents (AROW)

> **NOTE:** The following certificates and documents must be on board when the aircraft is operated. The mnemonic AROW: Airworthiness certificate, Registration, Operating limitations, Weight and balance.
- [ ] Airworthiness certificate — **ON BOARD**
- [ ] Registration certificate — **ON BOARD**
- [ ] Operating limitations (AFM/POH, placards, or instrument markings) — **ON BOARD**
- [ ] Weight and balance data — **ON BOARD**
- [ ] Pilot certificate and photo ID (or valid driver's licence for Sport Pilots) — **IN POSSESSION**
- [ ] Aircraft logbooks (not required on board, but review for required inspections) — **ANNUAL INSPECTION CURRENT**

## Walk-Around — Cart Inspection

> **NOTE:** The PPC walk-around covers five tasks: (1) cart inspection, (2) powerplant inspection, (3) equipment check, (4) engine warm-up and check, (5) wing and suspension line inspection. Perform in a consistent, systematic sequence every flight.
**Cart**
    - [ ] Nosewheel: play, tire inflation, axle bolt — **SECURE, PROPERLY INFLATED**
    - [ ] Ground steering bar connections and range of motion — **SMOOTH, FULL RANGE**
    - [ ] Front fork to nosewheel and gooseneck connections — **SECURE**
    - [ ] Brakes (if installed): cable or hydraulic, pads, alignment, no leaks — **SERVICEABLE**
    - [ ] Pilot seat, rails, seat belt attachment points — **SECURE, NO CRACKS, SEAT PIN LOCKED**
    - [ ] Ignition and battery switches — **OFF**
    - [ ] Primer or primer bulb (if equipped) — **RESISTANCE FELT, NO LEAKS**
    - [ ] Throttle control: full range of motion, no binding — **FREE AND SMOOTH**
    - [ ] Altimeter: set to field elevation or barometric pressure (if equipped) — **SET**
    - [ ] Engine instrument master ON: note fuel quantity indication — **NOTED FOR COMPARISON**
    - [ ] Airframe: distortion, wear points, loose bolts, cable kinks or frays — **NO DEFECTS**
    - [ ] Rear wheels, axle, tires: inflation, cuts, wear, wheel rotation — **SERVICEABLE**
**Fuel and oil**
    - [ ] Fuel: type, grade, and quantity — visually confirm tank level matches gauge — **CORRECT TYPE, QUANTITY CONFIRMED**
      <sub>Check engine manufacturer's recommendation for fuel type and, on two-stroke engines, oil-to-fuel premix ratio. Incorrect ratio causes seizure.</sub>
    - [ ] Fuel sample: color, clarity, no water — **CLEAR, NO CONTAMINATION**
    - [ ] Oil level and type (four-stroke, or two-stroke oil injection reservoir) — **WITHIN LIMITS, CORRECT TYPE**
**Powerplant**
> **WARNING:** Treat the propeller as live at all times. Keep the propeller arc clear during all ground operations.
    - [ ] Propeller blades: cracks, chips, nicks; blade bolts secure — **NO DAMAGE, BOLTS SECURE**
    - [ ] Engine area: clear of loose items that could enter propeller arc — **CLEAR**
    - [ ] Carburetor(s): secure; air filter condition and fit — **SECURE, FILTER CLEAN**
    - [ ] Rubber manifolds: no cracks — **SERVICEABLE**
    - [ ] Spark plug caps: secure on all cylinders — **SECURE**
    - [ ] Gear reduction box: no leaking seals, no play in gears — **SERVICEABLE**
    - [ ] Fuel lines: no fuel dye staining (indicates leakage), no deterioration — **NO LEAKS**
    - [ ] Oil lines and drain plug: no leaks, cap secure — **SECURE, NO LEAKS**
    - [ ] Exhaust system: no white staining (exhaust leaks), springs secure, no cracks — **SECURE, NO LEAKS**
    - [ ] Cooling system (liquid-cooled engines): coolant level, overflow reservoir — **WITHIN LIMITS**
    - [ ] All visible wires and lines: security and condition — **SECURE, NO DAMAGE**

## Wing and Suspension Line Inspection

> **NOTE:** Perform wing inspection before every flight. The wing is as critical to airworthiness as the engine. Inspect methodically in the same order each time.
- [ ] Wind direction — **IDENTIFIED — POINT CART INTO WIND**
- [ ] Wing removed from bag: not twisted, rotated, or turned — **CORRECT ORIENTATION CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Wing fabric: tears, burns, abrasions, UV deterioration, cell debris — **NO DEFECTS, CELLS CLEAR**
- [ ] Wing laid out centered behind cart — "X" in suspension lines directly behind prop centerline — **CENTERED**
- [ ] Riser cables at cart attachment: not twisted around airframe, secure links finger-tight plus quarter-turn — **SECURE, NOT TWISTED**
- [ ] A-lines separated from B-lines at riser connection; A/C lines on top of B/D lines — **SEPARATED AND CLEAR**
- [ ] Suspension lines: no tangles, knots, pressure knots, or broken strands; lines not wrapped over top of wing — **CLEAR — NO LINE-OVERS**
  <sub>A line-over is a line that goes over the top of the wing rather than straight to the riser. It will prevent proper inflation and is a no-go item. Inspect the leading edge and top surface carefully.</sub>
> **CAUTION:** A line-over causes catastrophic wing deformation on inflation. Do not launch with any line-over present.
- [ ] Steering lines: clear of suspension lines, anchor knots secure, lines flow freely through guides and pulleys — **FREE AND SECURE**
- [ ] Line-over check: no line over top surface of wing — **CONFIRMED — CLEAR**
- [ ] Debris around wing and lines: ground clear of twigs, sticks, and objects that could cause pressure knots — **CLEAR**

## Engine Start

- [ ] Front wheels — **BRACED OR CHOCKED**
- [ ] Area behind cart and in propeller arc — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Wing lines — **AWAY FROM PROPELLER ARC**
- [ ] Anti-collision strobe (if independent switch) — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel system: prime as equipped — **PRIMED PER POH**
- [ ] Throttle — **IDLE**
- [ ] Call "CLEAR PROP" — wait for clear response from bystanders before starting
- [ ] Magneto switches — **ON**
- [ ] Engine gauge master switch — **ON**
- [ ] Start engine — keep one hand on throttle
- [ ] Oil pressure (if applicable) — **RISING TO NORMAL RANGE**
  <sub>If oil pressure does not rise to manufacturer's specified value within a few seconds, shut down immediately to prevent engine damage.</sub>
- [ ] Starter engaged warning light (if equipped) — **NOT ILLUMINATED**

## Engine Warm-Up and Run-Up

> **CAUTION:** Never skip the engine warm-up. Running a cold engine at high power is a leading cause of engine damage on two-stroke and four-stroke engines alike.
- [ ] Idle warm-up: allow engine to reach minimum operating temperature — **TEMPERATURE RISING NORMALLY**
  <sub>Minimum warm-up time is per the engine manufacturer's POH. In temperatures below 50°F, extend warm-up time. Monitor CHT.</sub>
- [ ] Engine gauges — **TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES IN NORMAL RANGE**
- [ ] Area behind cart still clear — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Advance throttle to approximately 75% — hold 10 seconds — **SMOOTH OPERATION, NO ROUGH RUNNING**
- [ ] Ignition system check (dual ignition): switch one off, check RPM, restore; then alternate — **BOTH CIRCUITS OPERATIONAL, RPM DROP WITHIN LIMITS**
- [ ] RPM at run-up power — **WITHIN MANUFACTURER'S LIMITS**
- [ ] Engine temperatures (CHT, EGT) at run-up — **WITHIN LIMITS — DO NOT FLY IF ABNORMAL**
- [ ] Throttle to idle — engine settles smoothly — **CONFIRMED**

## Before Takeoff Check

> **NOTE:** The before-takeoff check is the final systematic check of engine, controls, systems, and avionics before flight. It is also a go/no-go decision point.
- [ ] Engine temperatures: confirm still within minimums since warm-up — **WITHIN LIMITS**
- [ ] Wind direction — **RECHECKED — TAKEOFF POSITION CONFIRMED INTO WIND**
- [ ] Steering and suspension lines: not in path of tires, not tangled in riser cables — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Seat belt and shoulder harness — **FASTENED AND SNUG**
- [ ] Seat position (if adjustable) — **LOCKED**
- [ ] Loose items: nothing able to enter propeller arc — **SECURED**
- [ ] Wire routing (GPS, intercom, headsets): does not interfere with controls — **CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Strobe lights — **ON**
- [ ] Electric fuel pump (if applicable) — **ON**
- [ ] Fuel quantity — **ADEQUATE FOR INTENDED FLIGHT**
- [ ] Ignition system check (final) — **COMPLETE**
- [ ] Traffic pattern and intended takeoff runway/area — **CHECKED — CLEAR**
- [ ] Radio call or traffic scan (as applicable) — **COMPLETE**
- [ ] Passenger briefing (if passenger aboard) — **COMPLETE — SEATBELTS, EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, HANDS AND FEET INSIDE**

## Takeoff Roll — Wing Inflation and LOC Check

> **NOTE:** LOC: L — Lines Free; O — Cells Open; C — Wing Centered. Do not advance to takeoff thrust until the wing passes the LOC check.
- [ ] Throttle: advance smoothly to one-half to two-thirds takeoff power — **SMOOTH APPLICATION**
  <sub>Too abrupt an application yanks the wing forward and can damage the riser system.</sub>
- [ ] Feet on steering bars throughout takeoff roll — **IN POSITION**
- [ ] Wing inflating and rising: correct for any side that rises faster — **WING RISING SYMMETRICALLY**
> **CAUTION:** If a line-over is visible (wing pinched and deformed), shut down immediately and re-lay the wing. Do not continue the takeoff roll.
- [ ] LOC check: Lines free — **L — CONFIRMED**
- [ ] LOC check: all Cells open including end cells — **O — CONFIRMED**
- [ ] LOC check: Wing Centered overhead, forward to riser attachment points — **C — CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Advance throttle to takeoff thrust — **SMOOTH APPLICATION TO FULL POWER**
- [ ] Directional control during ground roll — **MAINTAINED WITH STEERING BARS**

## Liftoff and Initial Climb

- [ ] After liftoff: maintain full power and climb away from ground — **FULL POWER MAINTAINED**
- [ ] Initial climb path: aligned with takeoff direction — clear of obstacles — **CLEAR**
- [ ] Engine temperatures during climb — **MONITORED — WITHIN LIMITS**
  <sub>On a hot day or at density altitude, allow CHT to stabilize before sustained climbs. Reduce power if approaching limits.</sub>
- [ ] Reduce to cruise power at safe maneuvering altitude — **REDUCED TO CRUISE SETTING**

## Cruise

- [ ] RPM — **SET TO CRUISE PER POH**
- [ ] Engine temperatures: CHT and EGT — **STABLE WITHIN NORMAL RANGE**
> **NOTE:** Avoid prolonged idle on two-stroke engines during descent. Make brief power additions every 30–60 seconds to prevent plug fouling and prevent CHT from dropping too rapidly.
- [ ] Fuel endurance: note time and fuel remaining — **ADEQUATE — LAND BEFORE EXHAUSTION**
  <sub>Consult POH for fuel burn and minimum reserve. Manage the flight so that you land with the required fuel reserve remaining — do not plan to land on fumes.</sub>

## Approach and Landing

- [ ] Approach: plan into wind where possible — **INTO WIND**
- [ ] Landing area: clear of obstacles, suitable surface — **CONFIRMED CLEAR**
- [ ] Airspeed: maintain above stall during entire approach — **ABOVE MINIMUM**
> **CAUTION:** Avoid rapid throttle changes on approach. Rapid throttle movements cause pitch oscillations (porpoising). Use slow, smooth throttle inputs.
- [ ] Throttle to idle on short final — **IDLE**
- [ ] Flare: begin approximately 1 second above the ground — push both foot steering bars smoothly forward — **SMOOTH FULL FLARE**
  <sub>Hold flare as rear wheels touch. Do not release flare when close to the ground without power — the canopy will surge forward and produce a dive.</sub>
- [ ] After touchdown: release flare smoothly — collapse canopy immediately — **CANOPY COLLAPSED AND CONTROLLED**

## Shutdown and Securing

- [ ] Idle: allow engine to cool for at least 1 minute — **IDLING — TEMPERATURES DROPPING**
- [ ] Magneto switches — **OFF**
- [ ] Propeller stopped: confirm before approaching — **STOPPED — CONFIRMED**
- [ ] All electronics and instruments — **OFF**
- [ ] Fuel valve (if applicable) — **OFF**
- [ ] Canopy: fold, pack into wing bag, and secure — **PACKED AND SECURED**
  <sub>Pack the canopy immediately after landing to protect from UV exposure and unexpected wind gusts. A free wing can be picked up by wind and drag the cart.</sub>
- [ ] Fuel cap — **SECURE, VENT CLEAR**
- [ ] Tie-down or hangar as required — **SECURED**

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NOT FOR FLIGHT — source fidelity: unreviewed | operational review: none | completeness: partial  
Source: Powered Parachute Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-12A)  
Rights: public_domain CC0-1.0  
Checklist hash: 4c90117c06bf1f3afb4f07ab641485ad854bf2a62fea740cc9806cb2450bf33c  
Verify against the aircraft's own approved documentation before use.