Powered parachute or powered paraglider?

Question

I'm looking into buying one of the two. I only have about 5k to spend...literally not a dime more and preferably less, but I want to be safe while I fly. Portability is a concern considering I don't have a truck and can't pull a trailer(just occasionally borrow them)so it would be more difficult to tranport the powered parachute, though I like being able to fit a powered paraglider into my car. Powered parachutes are more stable, while powered paragliders are more responsive and have a better chance of parachute collapse and I don't really plan on dying anytime soon. Carrying the powered paraglider on my back and the difficulty launching/landing one is also a downside, while powered parachutes require a large runway/landing strip. If I missed anything, please let me know and I really want to hear your personal opinions as well as any solid info you have.

Answer 1

To be quite honest about it both are really safe.  The only difference is how they are maintained.  Both can come with a ballistic parachute incase something bad happens and with a trike it could.  A powered parachute has less stress on the wing and guidelines and can land safely if something happen such as engine failure and a broken guideline.

A power parachute will cost less to maintain so buy a used one single seat only.  If you purchase a two-seat make sure it has been FAA certified as an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA).  If someone tries to sale you a two-seat anything without N-number from the FAA you just got screwed.

I have information on my personnel aviation web site about Light Sport aircraft.  For the money and enjoyment go with the powered parachute it won’t break the bank.

A note of caution:  Since the FAA changed the rule two years ago two-seat trikes and powerparachutes have to be certified to be legal.  So be warned buy only one that meets part 103 or been certified under part 21.191.

If you need futher assistane you can contact me through my web site: http://www.stacheair.com

Answer 2

I looked into this a while back.  At that time power parachutes were more safe because the one I looked at used an elliptical wing which is not prone to stalling.  Also with a powered parachute, you can add an emergency chute.

With 5K you are looking at buying used.  Do your research and be careful.   Know how much time is on the motor and the maintenance schedule for that motor.

You may want to take a one day training course first.  You should get a ride or two with that and maybe even solo.   You will be able see if you really like it.

When I did research about 4 years ago, I looked up every death in a powered parachute, and each one I found was from running into something.  Many during take off.  Make sure you have plenty of room on both sides and the end of the runway.  

I did find non-lethal injuries from hard landings.  Hard landings seemed common, most not hurting the pilot.  The trike absorbs alot of shock on a hard landing usually needing repair, but it spares you a lot of pain.  If on the other hand, you have a fan strapped to your back as in the paraglider and you have a hard landing, it is your body absorbing the whole impact.

Answer 3

have you look into ultra light planes, they're better then both and a used one is still in your price range, i don't think it's safe to fly powered parachute, and it's not very powerful, i seen they crash, not pretty

i've not even heard of powered paraglider, so no opion on that

i hope you're experinced or at least know what you're doing, if you want to fly, becareful out there

experienced sky diver, over 100 jumps