Whats the difference between a Powered Paraglider and a Powered Parachute?
PPG is a Powered Paraglider, as described above. Foot launched or wheel launched, it has a motor between 15-30 horsepower, and a high performance elliptical wing, the same as used for unpowered paragliding. Control is via hand operated “brakes” on the wing. PPC is Powered Parachute. These are much larger, usually with a much less efficient rectangular parachute (although elliptical wings are becoming more popular nowadays), always wheel launched, and 40-70 horsepower. Control is via foot operated steering bars which operate the wing brakes. One more thing: Parasailing is getting towed around the harbor behind a boat, usually in Acapulco after you’ve had one too many drinks (sometimes referred in PPG circles as “dope on a rope”). In this case you’re a passenger on a thrill ride, not a pilot. Basically strap a big fan to your back, put on a parachute, and run into a strong wind.
