Powered Parachute Takes Off From Water

Powered Parachute Takes Off From Water FARM HOME recreation 29-3-4 If you live near a body of water and have about $30,000 to spend, you might consider Rapid Launch's Powered ParaChutes. "Rapid Launch is the only water-based flying machine on the market," says Gordon Balena, company president. The unit is about 14 ft. long, 6 1/2 ft. wide, weighs about 550 lbs., and can handle an additional 525 lbs. (pilot and one passenger). A 65 hp motor powers it. You don't need a pilot's license to operate it although the $500 worth of instruction is mandatory. After flying 25 hrs. you take a written and flying test to become a Basic Flight Instructor, which is issued from the Experimental Aircraft Association. After that, you attend a one-day training session at the Alexandra, Minn. facility. Although you can fly at altitudes of up to 10,000 ft. with wind speeds between 12 and 15 mph for about two hours, most enjoy "slow sights" from between 200 and 1,000 ft., according to the website. "The best times for flying are early morning and late evenings when winds are the most calm," the company says. After each use, the parachute is stuffed in a parachute bag and put in a passenger seat, Balena says. It comes in three models and is sold fully assembled. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Rapid Launch, 321 Oak Ridge Dr., Vadnais Heights, Minn. 55127 (ph 866 889-5989 or 651 639-0007 or 651 639-0705; email: info @rapidlaunchusa.com; website: www.rapid launchusa.com).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.