have the required equipment on board to operate in  Class B, C, D or E airspace. Equipment requirements can be found in the regula- tions. Powered parachutes must meet these require - ments. Even though many powered parachutes have  strobe lighting to aid in the visual sighting of the  aircraft, additional positional lighting is required for  night operations. See Chapter 12 for more informa - tion. Powered parachutes are typically equipped with a 12  volt direct-current  electrical system. A basic powered  parachute electrical system consists of a magneto, alternator or generator, battery, master/battery switch,  voltage regulator, and associated electrical wiring. Electrical energy stored in a  battery provides a source  of electrical power for starting the engine and a lim- ited supply of electrical power for use in the event the  alternator or generator fails. The electrical system is turned on or off with a  mas- ter switch. Turning the master switch to the ON po - sition provides electrical energy to all the electrical  equipment circuits with the exception of the ignition  system. Equipment that commonly uses the electrical  system for its source of energy includes: each individual screen will clearly identify the infor - mation being displayed. The information systems are also capable of alerting  the pilot when any engine or flight parameters are ex - ceeded, usually via a warning light mounted on the  instrument panel. Although the EIS is a valuable tool,  the ability to interpret the information is equally im- portant.  For the interperetation of any engine and flight instru - ment, you need to completely understand the engine  limitations, parameters, and the messages the instru- ment provides you. Sensing the proper operation of the  aircraft and engine is a key factor to the safe operation  of any aircraft. Being able to interpret engine sounds  and unusual vibrations is essential for any pilot. As with any aircraft or instrument operation, see the  POH for each individual make and model operating  instructions. A  GPS can sometimes be used to determine ground  speed while flying. A GPS is also a useful tool to en - hance navigation for cross-country flying. Review  Chapter 14 of the  Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical  Knowledge  for information on the calculations asso- ciated with determining wind speed, ground speed,  fuel consumption, and time enroute.  Communication and navigation  radios, transponders,  GPS and LORAN receivers are not required to fly  a powered parachute in Class G airspace. You must  Fuses or circuit breakers are used in the electrical sys- tem to protect the circuits and equipment from electri- cal overload. Spare fuses of the proper amperage limit  should be carried in the powered parachute to replace  defective or blown fuses. Circuit breakers have the  same function as a fuse but can be manually reset,  rather than replaced, if an overload condition occurs  in the electrical system. Placards at the fuse or circuit  breaker panel identify the circuit by name and show  the amperage limit. An ammeter is used to monitor the performance of  the electrical system. The ammeter shows if the al - ternator/generator is producing an adequate supply of  electrical power. It also indicates whether or not the  battery is receiving an electrical charge. Additional Equipment 3-4 Electrical System • Position lights. Anticollision lights. • Instrument lights. Radio equipment. • Electronic instrumentation. Electric fuel pump. • Starting motor. Figure 3-7. Typical engine information system. 