There
are number of publications that cover ultralight aviation. About five years ago and a new
publication called ULTRAFLIGHT became available. The original publisher Tommy Tucker, sold
the publication, to the Lancaster family, and about 2 1/2 years ago to Jim Byers and his
wife purchased it from them.
ULTRAFLIGHT is now a monthly publication, and has been available on the newsstands for
the past year and half. Jim has taken publication which was focused on powered parachutes,
and expanded its coverage to include fixed wing, trikes, powered parachutes, powered
para-gliders, rotorcraft. This is reflected in the May 1999 issue of ULTRAFLIGHT magazine,
which features the DreamWings aircraft, a fixed wing buyers guide, ask Rockin' John, how
to find the right Ultralight instructor, a powered para-glider pilot's corner, the two
stroke engine corner, troubleshooting your PPC, classified ads at a whole bunch more.
For those interested in powered para-gliders ULTRAFLIGHT data buyers guide on them in
their February issue, in March trikes were featured, powered parachutes were covered in
April, in June two place ultralight trainers will be featured. Jim is in a rather unique
position in that his publication is not affiliated with any ultralight pilots association,
thus he is able to promote the various positions would for by the different groups.
Cost for a yearly subscription $29.95, or you can save yourselves money by buying a
two-year subscription for 55 dollars, these of course are U.S. funds. For more information
contact ULTRAFLIGHT magazine to 167 14th Circle North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 or
for credit card orders called 727-894-4636.
email:jbyers468@aol.com
While doing the interview with Jim, I was introduced to Rockin' John. As mentioned John
is at regular contributor to ULTRAFLIGHT, and has a very extensive background in powered
parachutes. He has recently taken this knowledge and put it into book form. According to
John, as of April 1999, he has contributed some 43 columns to the magazine. John has been
flying powered parachutes since 1984, starting out with the original Para-Plane. For those
not familiar with a Para-Plane, it was powered by two solo engines, with counter rotating
propellers. With this power and the smaller parachutes of the time, if you were over 160
pounds your chances of getting airborne were slim!
According to John, "Powered parachutes, are very forgiving aircraft, you can get
yourself into trouble with one and walk away in situations you could do with the fixed
wing." "and the general course for powered parachutes allows you to be open
flying with an hour two."" Another safety feature is that you cannot dive a
powered parachute, the matter what you do in the parachute is a recovery system designed
to bring down slowly!"
And for those little more adventurous John points out that there is also powered
para-gliders. These chutes, were originally designed for jumping off mounts, but with the
introduction of back pack power units they can now be launched from a ground using the
motor rather than having to jump off a mountain. The only drawback to this system is the
your feet are now the landing gear, and you really do not want to make a hard landing.
For those considering the purchase of a powered parachute, or learning how to fly one
John suggests that his book is a good starting point. It will give you an a better
understanding of how a powered parachute flies, with a lot of tips on which should do and
what you shouldn't, so that you don't make those stupid mistakes.
For more information contact Walts Publishing P.O. Box 6788 Fall River MA 02724.
|
