Powered Parachute textbook published

Powered parachutes became a recognized category of aircraft by the FAA in 2004. Since that time, no writer or publisher has taken on the task of writing a complete textbook that covers all aspects of powered parachute flight. That changed recently with the introduction of Roy’s Powered Parachute Book.

Author Roy Beisswenger is a 22-year veteran of powered parachute instruction and became the first sport pilot, certified flight instructor, and FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE) for powered parachutes when the FAA began transitioning pilots to the sport pilot program in 2005. Since then he has continued to instruct and offer check rides to aspiring powered parachute pilots.

Beisswenger said his experience as an instructor and examiner motivated the writing of the book.

“Even though pilot applicants may bring any and all books and resources with them to a check ride, if those resources aren’t organized well, they are nearly useless. I can’t tell you the number of times an applicant has come for a check ride, got a question, and franticly scrambled through four or five books looking for the topic and the answer. Bringing everything into one book and then organizing it is critical for student study and for getting across the finish line at the time of the check ride.”

The 472-page book is organized into 26 chapters and two appendices, including the FAA’s practical test standards for sport pilots.

The book offers a “curated collection” of all of regulations a sport pilot is responsible for knowing and also includes regulations on aircraft maintenance that aren’t found in a typical FAR/AIM book.