• What is a powered parachute?
• How are powered parachutes regulated?
• How are powered parachutes registered?
• Do powered parachutes need registration marks?
• Do I need liability insurance?
• How do I maintain my powered parachute?
• How do I start a flight training unit for powered parachutes?
• How do I provide instruction on a powered parachute?
• What type of permit do I need to fly a powered parachute?
• Do I need to maintain currency?
• What can I do with my powered parachute?
• Can I carry a passenger in my powered parachute?
• Who do I contact for more information?

What is a powered parachute?

Powered parachutes are aircraft that consist of a motor, a structure such as a cart, bicycle, back packs, etc. to support the pilot to which a rectangular or elliptical-shaped ram-air parachute is attached.

How are powered parachutes regulated?

In Canada, powered parachutes are aircraft as defined in the Aeronautics Act. They are governed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) in the same manner as basic ultra-light aeroplanes.

How are powered parachutes registered?

Powered parachutes must be registered in Canada, but are not issued with a flight authority document. To become the registered owner, the applicant must meet the registration requirements found in subparts 200 - 202 of Part II of the CARs.

The registration of a powered parachute requires the applicant to submit to Transport Canada a completed Application for Registration of Ultra-light or Advanced Ultra-Light Aeroplane (form 26-0521) and include:

• proof of ownership document (i.e. bill of sale),
• a photo (or rubbing) of the I.D. plate, clearly showing the name of the manufacturer, model and serial number, and;
• fee payment.

If a powered parachute owner sells his aircraft, the new owner must submit to Transport Canada the completed Application Form on the Certificate of Registration (form 26-0478), and include:

• continuous proof of ownership documents from the last registered owner to the new owner (e.g. bill of sale) and;
• fee payment.

Do powered parachutes need registration marks?

Canadian aircraft are not permitted to operate in Canada unless the registration marks are visible and displayed (CAR 202.01). The marks must be painted on the aircraft or be affixed to it by a means that provides a degree of permanence similar to that of paint.

The registration marks that are issued to a powered parachute will be in the "C-I series" (C-I???).

Do I need liability insurance?

Owners of powered parachutes are required to subscribe for liability insurance (CAR 606.02) covering risks of public liability in an amount not less than $100,000.

How do I maintain my powered parachute?

The responsibility to maintain powered parachutes for continued safe flight rests solely with the aircraft owner. The maintenance program should be that recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.

How do I start a flight training unit for powered parachutes?

Subsection 406.05 of the CARs requires flight training units which provide powered parachute training to notify Transport Canada of such activities.

How do I provide instruction on a powered parachute?

To provide instruction to students using a powered parachute, an instructor must hold the minimum of a Flight Instructor Rating - Ultra-light Aeroplane (Restricted to Powered Parachutes).

Section 421.88 (7) of the CARs outlines the standards for an applicant wishing to obtain a Flight Instructor Rating - Ultra-light Aeroplane - Restricted to the Operation and Instruction of Powered Parachutes.

What type of permit do I need to fly a powered parachute?

Subsection 421.21(7) of the CARs outlines the standards required in order to obtain a Pilot Permit - Ultra-light Aeroplane Restricted to Powered Parachutes, the applicant must be at least 16 years old and have:

• a Medical Certificate (Category 1, 3, or 4)
• completed a minimum of 5 hours total flight time (minimum of 2 hours as sole occupant)
• completed a minimum of 30 takeoffs and landings (minimum of 10 as sole occupant)
• completed a ground school course
• passed the written ULTRA exam (pass mark 90%)
• a letter of recommendation from a qualified flight instructor

When all the requirements have been met, the applicant must submit to Transport Canada a completed Application For Flight Crew Permits/Licences (Form 26-0194) along with the appropriate fee.

* Note: You must hold a Student Pilot Permit prior to conducting any solo flight. Section 421.19 of the CARs outlines the standards with regard to age, medical fitness and validity, knowledge, experience and skill relating to the acquisition of a Student Pilot Permit.

Do I need to maintain currency?

There is a requirement to fly on a regular basis to complete recency requirements.

Section 401.05 deals with Recency Requirements which apply once a permit has been issued.

What can I do with my powered parachute?

Powered parachutes must be operated in Canada in accordance with section 602.29 of the CARs. This section specifies operating limitations for ultra-light aeroplanes (for example, powered parachutes may not be operated at night or in IFR flight.)

The operation of powered parachutes is permitted for purely recreational use. Dual in-flight instruction is permitted in the interest of flight safety. A powered parachute MAY NOT be used for any other commercial aviation activity.

Can I carry a passenger in my powered parachute?

The carriage of passengers in powered parachutes is prohibited.

Who do I contact for more information?

Recreational Aviation and Special Flight Operations is the division within Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation directorate which is responsible for amending and developing policies, standards and regulations concerning powered parachutes. You may contact us at:

Transport Canada
Recreational Aviation and
Special Flight Operations (AARRD)
Place de Ville, Tower C
330 Sparks Street, 6th Floor,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0N8

Telephone: (613) 990-1034
Facsimile: (613) 990-6215

E-mail: recavsf@tc.gc.ca

You may wish to visit our website where you will find a complete text of the CARs as well as other information relating to recreational aviation. Additional information may be obtained by contacting your local Transport Canada Regional or District General Aviation Office.