For a lot of kids, flying is a dream. The modern ultralight aircraft technology makes dreams come true. As some adrenaline junkies will concur that the sky is not the limit. One of these adrenaline junkies Gordon Merkel, is using his ultralight motor powered parachute to make his childhood dream come true.
Ultralight flying is the way to go, and it is truly a modern marvel. This kind of flying is slowly becoming a common hobby. Much like rock climbing, ice climbing and other adventure sports, ultralight pilots get their rush from flying as they reach dizzying heights.I think this sounds like fun.
Imagine taking crazy turns as you pull some g’s with your tiny little airplane. For one individual, this is not an imagination. It is a reality for him. Merkel Gordon uses a Power Parachute to fly high. It is powered by only one 65 horse power engine, and the total ‘airplane’ only weighs about 400 pounds.
Controlling the microlight aircraft is pretty simple task. It just takes some guts. The powered parachute can be steered with your feet. As Merkel agrees:
If you want to go right, you kick out right. If you want to go left, you kick out left. Very simple
The best part about this kind of hobby is the birds eye view of the world. The pilot will be able to enjoy the panoramic 360 degree views all around him. You can take this baby over the Adriondack range of New York or even over the city.
The ultra light parachute is the safest form of plane available according to many folks. The parachute is inflated on the ground. The cart hangs like a pendulum right under the canopy. This way, it won’t flip over.Manual control takes the power failure issue away. The pilot is always in control. These crafts don’t need any specialized airstrips either. So, now you know why some people prefer to go ultralight.
Image Credits: Obsidianwings, Freedomflightinc
