Unfettered sightseeing is one of the joys of powered parachutes. The Destiny 2000’s “wing” is about 20 feet overhead, getting the pilot and passenger that much closer to the sights below.
Destiny’s models include a separate seat for each occupant. Most brands make a one-piece dual-height seat that squeezes the two people together.
Destiny’s unique canopy is one of its trademarks.
Destiny burst onto the powered parachute scene with a fine-looking chassis.
Ultralight entrepreneurs and TV video makers Hank and Carol Austin demonstrate how two people can fit comfortably in the Destiny 2000. Note the separate throttle controls.
For years, I’ve said that we misnamed the class of aircraft we call ultralights. We should call them ultraslows, because that’s what they do well-fly slowly.
Powered parachutes prove this point perfectly. One look at the 22 brands sold in the U.S. will tell you that they are robustly built-some weigh more than 400 pounds empty! Weight discussions virtually ignore the wing, but it’s the wing and its rigging to the carriage that dictate a parachute’s speed.
Powered parachutes are excellent at flying slowly. They take off, cruise, and land at about the same speed: 26 mph on average.
A Misunderstood Machine
When I first tried a powered parachute, I didn’t get it. Why would any one want to fly something so slow and unmaneuverable?
I prefer flying at slower speeds, so I wasn’t questioning the slow cruise speed. I objected to the one-speed-fits-all approach, equating this to a lack of ability to maneuver out of situations. I also believed that they moved around the sky ponderously, with slow roll rates. I just didn’t understand. Maybe you feel the same way?
Now that I’ve flown in five powered parachutes, I understand better. They use their engines to get where they need to be, similar to the way hot air balloons depend on their hot air source to stay aloft. In both cases you want the “engine” running, but if it gives up the ghost, you have recovery options.
Powered parachutes are also more maneuverable than I imagined after my first cautious flights. With an expert pilot and with the right wing and rigging, they can actually be flown in a manner I find invigorating. I plan to examine a few powered parachutes in the next couple of months. I’ll start with a company that’s making some variations on the traditional parachute design.
Destiny 2000
A fairly new entrant to a crowded field, Destiny Powered Parachutes burst onto the scene only a couple of years ago. It now reports sales of 200 aircraft a year. Destiny’s success is one reason powered parachute sales are currently stronger than fixed-wing ultralight sales.
Based in Three Rivers, Michigan, the company has capitalized on the plentiful supply of auto-industry talent in its home state. Destiny employs 15 full-time workers and is headed by John Rivers, the owner and president. Rivers comes from a NASCAR background, which explains his capacity for combining engineering quality with striking looks.
The Destiny 2000 model features bucket seats rather than a single construction that holds two. This provides a greater feeling of security in the open aircraft and separates the two occupants for more comfort. Both seats are equipped with a standard five-point restraint system. In 2001, the company added a small roll bar above the rear seat to protect both people in the event of upset.
Landings are controlled both by power and by flaring the machine (pulling down on the trailing edge of the canopy/wing). As in any aircraft, some landings are hard, but the Destiny chassis is built to absorb. Gear legs have built-in suspension with fiberglass rods absorbing a lot of the shock. The company also supplies 22-inch tires that further soften the blow.
The parachute’s digital instruments, which monitor engine functions, are built into an easily-reached pod between the pilot’s legs. An airspeed indicator isn’t necessary as the speeds vary little, though some pilots will want radios or GPS units. The Destiny 2000 has no cargo area, but comes with saddle bags to hold items you may want to access in flight.
The Canopy
As I flew in the Destiny with pilot Hank Austin, he demonstrated the Chiron elliptical canopy to show me how it improves speed, range, turning capability and performance.
Most powered parachutes use a conventional square canopy similar to those employed by modern-day skydivers. On the other hand, paraglider pilots who launch their canopies from mountains or power aloft with backpack units prefer higher-aspect-ratio canopies. After some cross-pollination, powered parachute suppliers have begun to endorse these wide-span, narrow-chord wings that bring the 3:1 or 4:1 glide angle of square rigs to 5:1. Sink rate is also better than the 600-800 fpm typical of an engine-off conventionally powered parachute canopy.
Austin demonstrated a few gliding turns that increased the speed to more than 45 mph, a significant step for wings that usually don’t stray far from 30 mph. He also convinced me that he could turn more readily and with a tighter radius.
Despite these impressive results, most pilots will select square rigs. They’re easier to launch, and errors by novice fliers are less likely. This is important considering that powered parachute producers claim 70% of their buyers are non-pilots.
How Much?
To buy the powered parachute with an electric-start 66-hp Rotax 582 and the elliptical Chiron wing, it’ll cost about $17,000. Destiny can provide financing to lessen the sticker shock (even for other parachute brands), but as flying machines go, its prices won’t break many piggy banks.
If you think that powered parachute flying is not for you, it’s possible that you’re right. But try itout first. I found a new joy in this unique form of flying, and you might consider an introductory lesson from a qualified instructor. Destinycan refer you to one of its dealers or you can contact the U.S. Ultralight Association (www.usua.org) or the Aero Sports Connection (www.aerosports.org), two organizations helping powered-parachute pilots enjoy the open skies. KP
FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Destiny Powered Parachutes at 1444 KDF Dr., Three Rivers, MI 49093; call 616/273-6223; fax 616/273-2614; e-mail mail@destinypowerchutes. com; web www.destinypowerchutes.com.
| Seating | 2-seat, tandem |
| Empty weight | 365 pounds |
| Gross weight | 850 pounds |
| Canopy Area | 340 square feet 1 |
| Canopy Loading | 2.5 pounds/square foot |
| Kit type | Fully Assembled |
| Set-up time | 20 minutes, 1 person |
| Notes: | 1Chiron canopy; square canopies are available in 500- and 550-square- feet versions. |
| Standard engine | Rotax 503, dual carb2 |
| Power | 50 hp at 6,250 rpm1 |
| Power loading | 17.0 pounds per hp |
| Cruise speed | 29 mph |
| Rate of climb at gross | 700 fpm |
| Takeoff distance at gross | 100-150 feet |
| Landing distance at gross | 100-150 feet |
| Notes: | 2Rotax 503 is standard (at $13,800); test Destiny had 66-hp Rotax 582. |
| Standard Features | Digital Engine Information System (EIS), dual bucket seats, 22-inch tundra tires, spun aluminum wheels, strobe, adjustable front seat, canopy bag, line socks, dual throttle control, electric fuel gauge, 5-point seat belts, 10-gallon fuel tank, side stash pouches. |
| Options | 66-hp Rotax 582, electric start, brake, purchase financing. New options include amphibious floats and an airboat option, which uses the Destiny as power (without canopy) and features roll-on ramps and a clampdown system. |
| Construction | Aluminum airframe, 4130 chromoly steel. Nylon canopy with Dacron suspension lines. Carriage made in the USA; canopy imported. |
Design
Cosmetic appearance, structural integrity, achievement of design goals, effectiveness of aerodynamics, ergonomics.
Pros – Destiny Powered Parachutes specializes in delivering a fully ready-to-fly powered parachute with many desirable features built into the base price. Powered parachutes have fairly reasonable prices. In just a couple years, Destiny feels it is an industry leader. Shiny, bright colors give the Destiny 2000 a sleek appearance that stimulates buyers. Most parts can be replaced with relative ease – lots of simple tube and bracket construction.
Cons – Except for the elliptical Chiron (as tested), most powered parachutes use essentially the same square canopies; no substantive performance or handling differences – what you’re buying is primarily the carriage as a few canopy suppliers deliver most of the canopies used throughout the powered parachute segment. Since the Destiny is factory-built, owners may be more challenged with repairs (knowing less about its detail than a kit builder).
Systems
Subsystems available to pilot such as: Flaps; Fuel sources; Electric start; In-air restart; Brakes; Engine controls; Navigations; Radio; (items covered may be optional).
Pros – Destiny’s standard equipment list is longer than some brands: dual throttle controls, oversized (22-inch) tundra tires, strobe light, and the EIS digital instrument system. Destiny also offers several worthy system options: electric starting, brakes, side carry bags that can be accessed in flight. Repair access is excellent for all components. Prop well protected.
Cons – If you like bells and whistles, the Destiny (and most powered parachutes) may prove too basic to interest some buyers. If canopy repair is needed (tears in cloth or lines), it must be returned to canopy manufacturer as this type of maintenance is beyond nearly all powered parachute pilots.
Cockpit/Cabin
Instrumentation; Ergonomics of controls; Creature comforts; (items covered may be optional).
Pros – In the last year, Destiny added a small roll bar to better protect occupants, especially the rear person. Well-padded seats with excellent seat restraint (5-point harness standard). Front seat is adjustable (fairly rare in powered parachutes). Side carry bag is a nice improvement over last year’s version. Front seat entry is as easy as it gets; just step in. Standard rear throttle is essential for training, I feel.
Cons – Destiny’s execution of the roll bar is less protective than the Powrachute version, however, it also obstructs visibility less. Entry to rear is more challenging than simple front seat, partly because Destiny enlarged and improved seats over industry standards. No cargo area other than optional side carry bags. No protection against elements (cold or rain).
Ground Handling
Taxi visibility; Steering; Turn radius; Shock absorption; Stance/Stability; Braking.
Pros – Excellent suspension and absorption. Destiny’s huge, fat tires also dampen hard touchdowns. Visibility doesn’t get better than this in powered aviation (though other powered parachute brands share this trait).
Cons – “Taxiing” (if that’s even a correct term) with canopy inflated requires more experience and muscle; still can’t easily be done downwind. Once the canopy is deflated, you’re done ground handling except by hand pushing. Handled improperly, a powered parachute can be tipped over by the canopy in crossing conditions (though you’re quite well protected in Destiny).
Takeoff/Landing
Qualities; Efficiency; Ease; Comparative values.
Pros – Giant 22-inch tundra tires help soften even rude landings. 66-hp Rotax 582 proves to offer plenty of power to inflate the canopy and start takeoff, followed by quick lift-off. Ground roll quite short. Visibility at pretakeoff, during takeoff, and on approach is huge. All landings are short in powered parachutes; I could tell no change in this by using a Chiron canopy on the Destiny.
Cons – All approaches I’ve seen are done with power to alter path and provide greater control during landing. I didn’t experience a power-off landing in the Destiny but it appears speed control would then be quite limited. Better land a powered parachute, even with the Chiron, into the wind; crosswind capabilities are negligible. Energy retention is weak.
Control
Quality and quantity for: Coordination; Authority; Pressures; Response; and Coupling.
Pros – The Chiron canopy on the Destiny proved to be more maneuverable than I expected from earlier experiences. Diving turns to 45 mph are possible with the Chiron’s wider speed range. Rear throttle control adds extra security for an instructor. Throttle at each seat is close and convenient; throttle also moves conventionally (i.e., lever forward is more power).
Cons – Takes a firm foot push to create a rapid response. No rear steering system; at least other than an instructor tugging on lines by hand. Controls seem counterintuitive for 3-axis pilots: no flying is done by hand (though general aviation pilots all use rudders, which aren’t so different from powered parachute steering bars); and nosewheel steering is non-intuitive until you acquire some experience with it.
Performance
Climb; Glide; Sink; Cruise/stall/max speeds; Endurance; Range; Maneuverability.
Pros – The Rotax 582 combined with the Chiron canopy produces a vigorous climb rate. Higher aspect ratio Chiron canopy brings glide improvement – around 5:1 versus about 4:1 say proponents – a fact I was completely unable to measure. The Chiron is also capable of faster gliding turns, says rep; a demonstration revealed more range than I expected. Low-over-the-fields flying is a clear strength.
Cons – While the Chiron is clearly an improvement, powered parachutes are still very limited compared to any other aircraft. Speed barely passes 40 mph even in a descending diving turn; cruise still only 30 mph at best. Climb rates reported by factory seem rather uninspiring. Sink rate figures not available from factory representative and not measured in evaluation.
Stability
Stall recovery and characteristics; Dampening; Spiral stability; Adverse yaw qualities.
Pros – Destiny gets seat belts right compared to many powered parachutes I’ve examined which have only lap belts. Stalls are largely non-events in powered parachutes, even the Destiny with Chiron canopy, although it is possible, experts say. Emergency landings in small areas will go better than with many ultralights even with the longer gliding Chiron, which has more reach than conventional square canopies.
Cons – All powered parachutes and certainly the Destiny with a Chiron canopy can be flown erratically relative to power so as to upset normal flight (though even this isn’t catastrophic if altitude is sufficient – see more detail in article). Rigging of lines is critical, not for the untrained (though the Destiny is sold ready-to-fly).
Overall
Addresses the questions: “Will a buyer get what he/she expects to buy, and did the designer/builder achieve the chosen goal?”
Pros – Good overall value in a ready-to-fly powered parachute with many desirable features as standard: bucket seats, 5-point seat belts, 22-inch tundra tires, strobe light, digital instruments, rear throttle, storage bags. As a newer company Destiny feels they can better answer customer requests; reported sales record seems to support their efforts. Company says they’ve tested the carriage quite thoroughly. Canopies come from established sewers. Compact storage and transport are further strong points.
Cons – Differences in specifications and characteristics make the Destiny and most powered parachutes harder to compare directly in purchase value to 3-axis or trike ultralights. Powered parachutes just aren’t for all buyers and few “experienced” pilots think they’ll enjoy them (though I’ve had a change of attitude; see article).
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