Powered Parachutes
Powered parachutes are aircraft that consist of a motor, a
structure such as a cart, bicycle, backpacks, etc. to support the pilot to which
a rectangular or elliptical-shaped ram-air parachute is attached.
In Canada, powered parachutes are aircraft as defined in the Aeronautics Act.
They are governed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations in the same manner as
basic ultralight airplanes. Powered parachutes must be registered in Canada, but
are not issued with a flight authority document. The registration of a powered
parachute requires the applicant to submit to Transport Canada a completed
Application for Registration of Ultralight or Advanced Ultralight Aeroplane
(form 26-0521) and include proof of ownership document (i.e. bill of sale), a
photo (or rubbing) of the I.D. plate, clearly showing the name of the
manufacturer, model and serial number, and fee payment.
If a powered parachute owner sells his aircraft, the new owner must submit to
Transport Canada the completed Application Form on the Certificate of
Registration (form 26-0478), and include: continuous proof of ownership
documents from the last registered owner to the new owner (i.e. bill of sale)
and fee payment.
Frequently asked questions
1/ Do powered parachutes need registration marks? Yes. Canadian aircraft are
not permitted to operate in Canada unless the registration marks are visible and
displayed (CAR 202.01). The marks must be painted on the aircraft or be affixed
to it by a means that provides a degree of permanence similar to that of paint.
The registration marks that are issued to a powered parachute will be in the
“C-I series.”
2/ Do I need liability insurance? Yes. Owners of powered parachutes are required
to subscribe for liability insurance (CAR 606.02) covering risks of public
liability in an amount not less than $100,000.
3/ How do I maintain my powered parachute? The responsibility to maintain
powered parachutes for continued safe flight rests solely with the aircraft
owner. The maintenance program should be that recommended by the aircraft
manufacturer.
4/ Do I need to maintain currency? Yes. There is a requirement to fly on a
regular basis to complete recency requirements. (See Section 7 of this Annual
for the Pilot Recency Requirements which apply once a permit has been issued.)
5/ What can I do with my powered parachute? The operation of powered parachutes
is permitted for purely recreational use. Dual in-flight instruction is
permitted in the interest of flight safety. A powered parachute may not be used
for any other commercial aviation activity.
6/ May I carry a passenger in my powered parachute? No.
Contact us at: Transport Canada, Recreational Aviation Tel.: 613-990-1034; Fax:
613-990-1007; E-mail: recavsf@tc.gc.ca;
Web site:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/general/recavi/Ultralight/menu.htm.