Current Pilots
Most Powered Parachute pilots are sport pilots with a Powered Parachute (PPC) rating or Private Pilot airplane pilots with a PPC log book endorsement to fly a PPC. There are a limited number of pilots with a Private pilot PPC rating.
If you are current, you have
- had a flight review in the last 24 calender months,
- performed three takeoffs/landings as PIC within the last 90 days in the make/model you want to take a passenger, plus
- Hold some sort of medical fitness (drivers license for sport pilot or FAA third class medical for private pilot)
You must maintain these to stay current. Many pilots stay in shape so they can keep their FAA medical and fly. Loosing your right to fly because of a medical problem you could have avoided would be disastrous if you love to fly. Eat right, exercise and do all those things you know will keep you healthy.
To enhance flight knowledge, the best thing for current pilots is to go flying, stay up to date with what is happening in aviation and get training when you can to improve your aeronautical knowledge and flight skills.
AOPA and EAA are both great organizations to belong to and participate in.
As a current sport pilot the following checklist is required:
- A valid pilot certificate with Powered Parachute land or water endorsements.
- To comply with the medical requirements of a sport pilot (valid drivers license OK).
- A current flight review (recorded in logbook).
- Fly a sport pilot-eligible Powered Parachute light-sport aircraft.
- Operate within the privileges and limitations of the sport pilot certificate 61.315.
- Operate within the category/class ratings (PPC) on your pilot certificate and/or endorsements
- If you have a private, commercial, or ATP certificate, and do not have an FAA 3rd class medical, you may take your flight review in any airplane authorized by your pilot certificate, assuming the CFI is pilot in command.
If you’re a private pilot choosing to operate Powered Parachute aircraft at the sport pilot level, you do not need to do anything more than get a PPC proficiency check, stay current and comply with the sport pilot rules. No change of certificates is necessary. If ramp checked, you simply present your private pilot certificate and valid state driver’s license and inform the FAA inspector that you are operating as a sport pilot. Any questions see FAR 61.303.
