Petrel PPC-1 Paraplane

What an absolute nightmare. Ha ha. This build was a bit of a challenge to make, definitely out of the ordinary for me. It's also the first time I've ever really used winches too. Well, make sure to read the directions first and then have fun with the weird flying thing.

A petrel is a type of soaring bird, similar to how this paraplane flies. PPC stands for powered parachute.

Controls

Semi-normal controls, so pay attention.

AG1- Gyro Autopilot/Gyro Assist
AG2- Pitch Limiter
AG8- Close Canopy and Start Engine
Trim- Trim

PITCH is controlled by 2 means. The first and more favorable method is to use aircraft pitch controls. That will change the Angle of Attack on the chute, allowing you to gain altitude or slowly lose altitude. The other option is throttle. Throttle is best to be left at 85-95%, and combined with pitch is the best way to lower your altitude.

ROLL is controlled by sorta 2 means. Physical roll surfaces on the chute are the primary means of roll. Using yaw in the air will work, but not well.

YAW is controlled by two little control surfaces on vertical stabilizers located on the support structure of the paraplane. Works best for takeoff corrections.

Notes

Try not to exceed 30 degrees pitch (positive and negative) as this may cause a stall or the chute to collapse. Once the chute had collapsed you're done for.

To decrease altitude, pull back on the throttle and push the paraplane down 10 degrees. It will slowly lose altitude and when about 10 feet above the runway cut throttle and glide in for landing.

A known bug (caused by SP drag physics) is that the paraplane will rotate very slowly in circles when sitting on the runway. I've got drag set equally on both sides, yet this still happens.

Don’t mess with pitch when sitting on the runway, it may cause the chute to get jammed.

Don’t use game default autopilot. It’ll crash.

Features a rather realistic flight model (I think) which should make it fun to fly, plus a cockpit. Best flown with a joystick.

Credits

Thanks to MisterT for Stork Island

Thanks to Mikoyanster for AreoClub2

Gallery

Enjoy the paraplane and have a happy new year!