It's called a powered parachute... the verb would be 'powered parachuting', I think. Anyway, this amazing contraption is just a parachute with a motor and wheels, sort of like a go kart... but it flies!
And I'm not sure if there is anything in this world that is more fun or scary or awesome or thrilling or heart pounding or adrenaline rushing or crazy or breathtaking or blog worthy as soaring high in the sky on a flying go kart.
This particular PPC ran on a five-gallon tank and the air speed was around 28 MPH. We were told that altitudes as high as 18,000+ feet can be reached on one of these things, but typical operating heights are between 500 and 1,500 feet.
We reached 1,020 feet on my ride.
It was a.w.e.s.o.m.e.- that's the only way I (and the other three people who rode that night) can describe it. In fact, I loved it so much that I rode twice. But only have the pictures to prove I rode once, so you'll have to take my word for it.
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| Pilot B-man! |
Alright, please do not be frightened by what you are about to see.
It is quite the sight...
It's scary.
It's me.
Up close and personal.
Really high up in the air.
And reallllllly really really excited.
Ugh. This is not the greatest of looks, I know...
I wish I had a more flattering picture of myself to show you. One in which I don't look like a bloated, squinty, cheese-cake faced and balding crazy person. But my enthusiasm says it all- giddy, teary eyed and wind blown.
This, my friends, is what it looks like to be high on life (no pun intended) while snuggly strapped in the back seat of a flying go kart, flown by a man named Bernie, 1,020 feet above the ground.
Anyway, I'm glad I could illustrate this vibrant powered-parachuting glory so accurately for everyone- you're welcome.
You should try it sometime. Definitely.
It took us 45 seconds to spiral drop from that point and land safely on the ground. I was dazed and amazed, and then, it was Chris' turn to fly...
I love this! And your excited face.
ReplyDeleteoh em geeee i love this! i cannot wait to try it, someday in PA. i love your pictures, from the sky ones, and the ones with the light + sun circles... they make me so happy! AND that FACE. that face makes me so happy!
ReplyDeleteYou look so happy!! Beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteI on the other hand would be perfectly happy on the ground thank you...definitely not for me...I am petrified of heights. I am lucky I fly in a plane.