In uncontrolled airspace the responsibility for separa - tion from other aircraft is the responsibility of the pilot. The PPC pilot must be aware that the pilot of the other aircraft may not understand the requirements and/or limitations of the PPC. In operations at uncontrolled airports 14 CFR part 91 requires that PPCs avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft. 

Regardless of the airspace, see and avoid is a key ele - ment of flying in a PPC. The slow speed of the PPC al lows it to be overtaken by higher performance aircraft quickly. Vigilance and proper scanning techniques are extremely important in all airspace, particularly when operating around nontowered airports. 

## Navigating the Airspace 

Knowledge of airspace dimensions, requirements to enter the airspace and geographical location of the airspace is the responsibility of all pilots. The current sectional chart is the primary official tool to determine the airspace you are flying within or trying to avoid. 

Pilotage is navigation by reference to landmarks to determine your location and the location of airspace. Pilotage is the best form of navigation to ensure that you avoid airspace you are not authorized to enter. Locating your position on the sectional chart and locating/identifying the airspace you want to enter/ avoid requires preflight planning on the ground and situational awareness in the air. 

GPS is a very popular form of navigation use by pow - ered parachute pilots. The GPS receiver is small, sim- ple to use and inexpensive compared to other forms of electronic (radio) navigation. Simple modes of operation and the aviation database give the pilot a considerable amount of information about the flight, the terrain and Class B, C and D airspace, and spe- cial use airspace. Many pilots use GPS to determine distance from airspace with restrictions and/or com- munications requirements. When using GPS to avoid airspace, allow for a buffer between the aircraft and the airspace. The aviation database in the GPS may not exactly match the airspace as depicted on the sec - tional chart. If there is a difference between the sec tional chart and GPS information, the sectional chart should be considered the correct information. 

A PPC pilot using GPS should ensure that the bat - teries are fresh and the aviation database is current. Never rely entirely on the GPS for navigation. Always back up GPS by using pilotage with a sectional chart and checkpoints when flying beyond visual range of a familiar airport. In addition, the GPS should be se - cured in the powered parachute so it does not depart the cart, nor touch the propeller before it stops. 

