ATTENTION PPC INSTRUCTORS!
SkyTrails Ranch, Inc. offers time-tested powered parachute training
materials
As the powered parachute industry strives to standardize PPC training,
SkyTrails Ranch, Inc. has completed the 3rd edition of their Powered Parachute
Guide & Training Manual. This manual is a living, evolving composition of
art, humor and data. The goal of the ‘Ranch’ (SkyTrails Ranch, Inc.) is to
see this manual grow into a PPC Training Standard. All Instructors &
personnel, who would like to see this sport improve its Training standards,
and thus its safety record, are invited to add content to this growing
document.
The incentive for the manual was simply the Need for it.
Years ago, when the ‘Ranch’ began its full-time, year-round powered
parachute training program, there appeared to be a void of PPC information.
Only one book (‘Rockin John Carr’s: "The Paraflight Experience"
- now unfortunately 'out-of-print')
was available to the public and Instructors to began to spread light, and thus
insight into the powered parachute sport. So, the ‘Ranch’ began to
research & document. And boy was the research needed. Both of the founders
of the PPC course began (and completed) their individual
training with "Don’t forget to turn off the engine when you land."
No FAR 103 briefing, no wing kiting techniques, no flaring insights, no
aerodynamics – well, you’ve got the picture. And perhaps many of
you started out your PPC adventures in a similar muddled manner.
Well, now Instructors and new PPC students have available to them, a
complete training manual that leads them through the necessity of a good
preflight, through aerodynamics and the principles of PPC flight, FAR 103,
2-Seat Exemptions, weather, air turbulence, airport procedures, radio
etiquette, and easy step-by-(simple) step flight tasks. The manual immediately
opens with an enticing article about an almost-incredible PPC experience by
Jim Strahle, titled: "My Epiphany". And then it begins to move the
reader into the ‘meat & potatoes’ of powered parachutes with a section
on "Frequently Asked Questions". The above mentioned topics are then
covered along with Safety & Consideration issues, and Parachute Care &
Maintenance information. The manual is completed with an Appendix that covers
references; recommended steps in purchasing a PPC; a chute stall primer by
Bill Gargano; an initial inspection check-list; a 100-hour check-list; web
references; current PPC Manufacturer’s data; and information on: How to
become a BFI. There is even more stuff included (but you are getting the
picture by now), and of course, all of this information is sprinkled with
humor, making it not just an easy study, but an enjoyable read. [The
manual's 'Table-of-Contents' - from the 2nd edition - follows this article.]
SkyTrails Ranch offers the manual on computer CD or hardcopy (in loose leaf
binder format – which is far better for adding new updated information). For
Dealers and Instructors, that decide to use the manual as part
of their own unique PPC training program, the CD can be
created with the logo & pictures of the Manufacturer, Dealer or
Instructor. Also, the opening, preface and introductory pages may be modified
to ‘personalize’ the manual to the specific requirements of the
Instructor, etc. As another convenience, the local training center can setup
an annual payment system that will allow the local center to automatically
receive updates, and the rights to locally print the manual, in order to save
shipping, and to supply any immediate needs of the student.
One advantage, which should be separately noted of the computer CD, is the
embedded videos that the student can ‘click’ to. This is a huge asset for
those of us who learn primarily by visual stimulation. (You know, those who
just look for the pictures when learning or assembling, and read the words
only after ‘all else fails’.)
However, there is one warning that should be given with these training
materials – the author’s sense of humor. Those of you that know Frederick
Scheffel immediately understand this comment, and realize that his time during
his formal education as a Psychologist may have been better spent at the local
Comedy Clubs. And those of you that do not know him – well, be prepared to
learn and laugh at the same time! Humor is thoughtfully placed throughout the
manual’s 250+ pages of colorful, informative graphics and concise text. This
humor is not just to place a smile on the reader, but to enhance and enforce
essential PPC knowledge.
Please review our online order form
of Powered Parachute Training materials to see our currently available
items from SkyTrails Ranch, Inc., and are available with
significant discounts for quantities or annual (update) contracts: (prices
given are only for single or end-user sales)
PPC Guide & Training Manual (designed for the Ultralight PPC pilot - please see the SP DVD manual above for the Sport Pilot version)
Table of Contents
WELCOME...
