Darlings of late-evening flying at airshows (when winds are calmer), powered parachutes are among the simplest and most fun of the ultralight class. If low and slow flying over inviting scenery sounds good, Six Chuter has your aircraft waiting.
Controls don’t get much simpler: right, left, aerodynamic braking (right and left together), and power for altitude changes. Lessons are therefore brief.
Powered parachutes are about the only segment of ultralight aviation that isn’t worried over their empty weight exceeding Part 103’s 254 pounds. The Skye Ryder I single place is a mere 205 pounds, way under the limit. The 215 pound Skye Ryder II is a two-seat trainer, therefore tipping the scales a whopping 281 pounds under the permissible weight!
Neither do they have a problem with the top speed limitation, flying as they do at 26 mph. The single place uses the 447 Rotax and earns a climb of 700 fpm. Should that engine quit, it’s usually no big deal as your “recovery ‘chute” is already open. The craft maneuvers the same, engine on or off. Don’t fret over Vne; Six Chuter doesn’t even list one.
Both single and two-place trainer are easily-built kits, requiring only 20-30 hours before you fly. The wing is delivered ready-to-use, of course. Priced at $8-9,000, the Six Chuter designs are easier on your pocketbook than many ultralights.
Not yet reviewed in UF!
Sorry, AL… where are you located and what are you thinking on price?
Where are you located Todd? I am curious where your thoughts are on price.
Thanks
I have a Skye Ryder Aerochute for sale. It has a Gombadier Rotax GMBH engine. My husband, recently deceased, had it up three times. It has been stored for several years in a warm, dry building. I am willing to sell it for a few thousand dollars because it needs touch-up and because I cannot find his flight book/information. I live in WI. Maybe your Todd Clarke would like to see it.
Marie App
Is your Sky Ryder still available? I am interested.
This is a 20-year-old article and that brand is no longer operating. Instead I would encourage you to contact Powrachute.
I’ll buy it
970-388-0173
Hi John
Where are you located? I’m looking for one but I have no clue on what a used one is worth. By what I read a new one is $8-9,000 but I’m not sure if that’s a current value. Let me know if you have an idea of what it’s valued at.
Thanks,
Todd
Todd, I have a used Bombardier Rotax GMBH Skye Ryder Aerochute for sale fro $3,000- $4,000. I live in the center of Wisconsin. Wish you could come and see it, but it seems that my email is being cancelled. Can you call? I’m at 920-244-7855.
I have a Skye Ryder Aerochute 2 seater that belonged to my father-in-law before he passed, it’s in an enclosed custom built trailer. It was flown 1 time by a friend of his and he never flew it. It’s been in this trailer for 8 years and I need to sell it for my mother in law, so I’m trying to find out what it’s worth can I get any suggestions here?
Hi Al — and anyone interested: I cannot comment on its worth without knowing more, but some readers may be able to offer a guesstimate. Anyone?
Did you find out the worth?
John: Unfortunately, no one has yet responded.
Todd, I have a used Bombardier Rotax GMBH Skye Ryder Aerochute for sale fro $3,000- $4,000. I live in the center of Wisconsin. Wish you could come and see it, but it seems that my email is being cancelled. Can you call? I’m at 920-244-7855.
Dan, Here is a reply to Todd. Do allow a reply to him.