Powered parachutes do not normally take off where  the rest of the airport traffic takes off. This is to help  both the PPC pilot and the pilots of other aircraft. A  powered parachute requires time to set up and depart;  it is not polite or safe to tie up an active runway while  this is being done. Exceptions to this would be the  edge of a very wide runway or an undeveloped area  next to the active runway where setup can take place  well away from the centerline of that active runway.  the loading is completed, take a short drive, stop, and  check for rubbing or chafing of components. Prior to taking the trailer on the road, inspect the  tires for proper inflation and adequate tread; check  all lights to make sure they are operating; ensure the  hitch is free moving and well lubricated; make sure  the vehicle attachment is rated for the weight of the  trailer; check the vehicle and trailer brake operation. When using a trailer, there are other precautions to  note. First, avoid towing with too much or too little  tongue weight as this causes the trailer to fishtail at  certain speeds, and it may become uncontrollable.  Second, take care when unloading the PPC to avoid  damage. Another reason PPC pilots typically don’t use stan - dard runways is that you want to set up into the wind  to avoid a  crosswind takeoff. While slight crosswind  takeoffs are possible, they are usually unnecessary  due to the short-field capabilities of a powered para- chute. You should do your best to point the machine  into the wind before you lay out the wing. The powered parachute can be transported by trailer  from one flying field to the next. For as many benefits  as this provides, transporting the powered parachute  into unfamiliar territory also includes some safety and  operational issues. Extend consideration to land owners that may own a  flight strip in their field. You need permission to use  private property as an airstrip. Locate the area on an  aeronautical sectional chart to check for possible air- space violations or unusual hazards that could arise  by not knowing the terrain or location. Avoid loitering  around residential structures and animal enclosures  because of the slow flight attributes of the powered  parachute and the distinct engine noise. Make contact with the  airport management to inquire  about any special arrangements that may need to be  made prior to departing from an unfamiliar airport.  Check the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD) for traf- fic pattern information, no fly zones surrounding the  airport, and special accommodations that may need  to be arranged. While selecting a takeoff position, make certain the  approach and takeoff paths are clear of other aircraft,  or will be clear by the time the equipment is set up.  Fences, power lines, trees, buildings, and other obsta- cles should not be in the immediate flightpath unless  you are certain you will be able to safely take off and  clear them during takeoff and climbout. Walk the entire length of the intended takeoff and  landing area prior to departure. Look for holes, mud- dy spots, rocks, dips in the terrain, high grass, and  other objects that can cause the aircraft to be damaged  or the wing to snag during takeoff and landing. Physi- cally mark areas of concern with paint, flags, or cones;  a pothole may not look like a pothole from the air. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)  part 91 states that powered parachutes are to avoid  the flow of all other air traffic. In addition, you should  inform local pilots about some of the incidentals of  powered parachute flight (such as flying low and  slow); the more information that other category pi- lots know about PPC flight characteristics, the more  they will understand the specific needs of the powered  parachute in flight. Sharing the same airspace with  various aircraft categories requires pilots to know and  understand the rules, and understand the flight charac- teristics and performance limitations of the different  aircraft.  Where to Fly There are a number of preflight actions you must  perform, mandated by 14 CFR part 91. You must be- come familiar with all available information concern- ing your flight, to include runway lengths at airport of  intended use, takeoff and landing distance accounting  for airport elevation and runway slope, aircraft gross  weight, wind, and temperature. For a flight not in the  vicinity of a conventional airport, this information  must include weather reports and forecasts, fuel re- quirements, and alternatives available if the planned  flight cannot be completed. The ideal  departure area for a powered parachute is an  open grassy area clear of debris and obstacles with a  groomed, even surface. Concrete and asphalt surfaces  should be avoided, as well as lit runways, as the struc- tural integrity of the wing and suspension lines may  be compromised during takeoffs and landings if the  wing catches on the runway surface or surrounding  lighting. 5-2