Weather you are operating from, the greater the role density  altitude plays in determining how much runway the  powered parachute needs to get off the ground with  the load on board, and how much climb performance  the wing will have once airborne. The powered para- chute may have cleared that obstacle at 8 a.m. when  the weather conditions were cooler with less humid- ity, but at 1 p.m. with increased air temperature and  higher humidity levels the pilot will have to re-evalu- ate the performance of that same aircraft. You need a  full understanding of density altitude to be a safe PPC  pilot; refer to Chapter 9 in the  Pilot’s Handbook of  Aeronautical Knowledge . The  weather is a determining factor for all flight oper- ations. Get a full weather briefing prior to your flight,  to include the current conditions and forecasts for  your departure and destination areas, and along the  route of flight. There are many sources for obtaining a  weather briefing, such as www.nws.noaa.gov, calling  1-800-WX-BRIEF, and a variety of internet sites that  specialize in local and regional weather. Crosswind  landings are possible in a powered parachute, but  crosswind takeoffs should be avoided. It is important  to review your departure procedure at your destina- tion to ensure you don’t get into a field you cannot  depart from. In gathering your weather information,  know the wind conditions, temperature and dew point  spread, sky condition, and visibility. Review Chapters  10 and 11 in the  Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical  Knowledge for a comprehensive understanding of  weather theory, reports, forecasts, and charts. Understand the different cloud formations and the  ground/air effects they can produce. [Figure 5-2] Cloud  clearance and visibility should be maintained for the  operations you intend to conduct (see Chapter 8 for  cloud clearance requirements in each class of airspace).  Knowledge of thermals and turbulence, and how to  determine where they can occur is also important.  [Figure 5-3] Do not fly when ground and flight visibility is below  minimums for your pilot certificate and the class of  airspace where you will be operating (see Chapter 8).  Be particularly watchful for low visibilities when the  air and dewpoint temperatures are within a spread of  three or four degrees. The closer these temperatures  are to each other, the greater the chance for fog and  reduced visibility conditions. PPCs fly best in calm air. Check the wind forecast as  well as current conditions, as this information will de- termine whether safe flight can be conducted. Winds  less than 10 miles per hour (MPH) are ideal; follow  the recommendations provided by the PPC manufac- turer for the aircraft you will be flying. Steady winds  that are not gusting are more desirable, as the inflation  and overall performance of the wing is more predict- able. For example, 5 MPH with no gusting is better  than 1 MPH gusting to 5 MPH. Some types of wings  perform differently in certain types of wind condi- tions and pilotage skills—know your wing and your  abilities. Crosswind takeoffs in a powered parachute  are dangerous and should be avoided. If the runway  configuration does not allow for takeoff into the wind,  then the flight should be canceled or postponed from  that takeoff area. Do not attempt to take off in a cross- wind with a powered parachute unless it is within the  pilot and aircraft capabilities, not a limitation in the  aircraft POH, and you have been trained thoroughly  for this advanced procedure. Crosswind landings are  possible in a powered parachute, but crosswind take- offs should be avoided. It is important to review your  departure procedure at your destination to ensure you  don’t get into a field you cannot depart from.  In addition to adhering to the regulations and manu- facturer recommendations for weather conditions, it’s  important for you to develop your own set of  personal  minimums. These minimums will evolve as you gain  experience, and are also dependent on your recency  and currency in the make/model of aircraft you will  be flying. Weight and loading must be considered before each  flight. Do not exceed the maximum gross weight as  specified in the POH. Always follow the POH perfor- mance limitations. The  balance of the pilot, passenger, fuel and baggage  must be compared to the limitations, and the wing at- tachment to the fuselage position must be within the  limits as specified in the POH. The cart must be bal- anced properly or an unsafe cart configuration, either  nose-high or nose-low will result. Air temperature and humidity directly affect the per- formance of the powered parachute wing and engine.  The powered parachute pilot who doesn’t understand  and respect the effect(s)  density altitude has on any  given flight may get into situations that are not de- sirable and could be hazardous. The higher the tem- perature, humidity, and the actual altitude of the field  Weight and Loading 5-3