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The numbers are small and difficult to measure or feel so the industry rule of thumb is to assume the PPC flies at a constant speed and angle of attack with changes in throttle. However, increased load (weight) and load factor has a significant effect on speed. [Fig - ure 2-30] 

As discussed in Chapter 2 of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge  the following points apply to powered parachute operations: 

• During straight and level flight, the lift opposes the weight. 

• In a banked turn, the lift is no longer directly opposite the weight; it is losing some of the vertical component of lift. More lift is needed so the vertical component of lift will equal the weight. 

• In a banked turn, lift must be increased and load factor goes up. [Figure 2-30] 

In a 45-degree turn, the 800 pounds weight would equal 800 times 1.4 or 1,120 pounds total load. This 45-degree turn, 1.4 G loading is the same as adding 320 pounds of weight to the 800 pounds. This new 1,120 pounds of lift must be produced by the wing by increased speed and/or angle of attack. If all the addi- tional lift is produced from airspeed, airspeed would increase about 5 MPH, a noticeable difference. Refer- 

ence your Pilot’s Operating Handbook  to understand the specific design considerations for the aircraft you will be flying. 

## PPC Aerodynamics Summary 

The following summarizes PPC aerodynamics: 

• Increasing throttle causes the PPC to climb, decreasing the throttle allows the PPC to descend. 

• The PPC flies at a relatively constant airspeed and angle of attack in normal flying conditions. 

• The weight of the PPC controls steady state airspeed under similar conditions of wing size and type, trim, steering line settings, and pilot flare. Increased weight or load factor increases speed and/or angle of attack. 

• The lighter the weight, the slower the airspeed, the less control pressure on the wing, and the slower your descent. 

• The heavier the cart (total weight under the wing), the faster the airspeed, the more effort required for maneuvers (foot steering pressure), and the faster your descent. 

• The wing set (rectangular or elliptical), size, and cart weight have a strong influence on PPC performance and maneuverability. 

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