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Click on the map to view larger versions of that area, there are three different detail maps.
UltraFlight Magazine will have the next installment of the story of Steve's Flight Across America in the June 2002 issue!
The first installment can be found in the December, 2001 issue. If you missed it Ultraflight has previous issues available, click the link above to go to their site!
Flight across America:Click on the date
November
6, 2000
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January 29, 2002
A new year, new PPC.....
It's been almost a year now since I completed the Flight Across America. The past year has been interesting to say the least. I have built up 2 different new powered parachutes. The first was a fine 2 seater called a T-2 by Airframes Unlimited. Unfortunately I had to have a major surgery on my back and sold it because I thought that I would be unable to fly again. Lucky for me I recovered enough to fly again. I had the urge to give it a go and built up a single seater powered parachute for the first time. It is also made by Airframes Unlimited and is their T-103 model.
The new American Spirit (my T-103) is a perfect match for me. It is very comfortable to sit in, flies superbly, handles my Chiron wing excellently and is as tough as nails. :) The manufacturer customized it to accept my electric start 503 DCDI engine and Chiron 340 wing. At this time I am the only factory authorized pilot and T-103 that is setup for the Chiron wing.
The Flight Across America proved to me that the Chiron is definitely the wing that I want to fly. The combination that I have now is perfectly matched. The wing inflates and ground handles great. I have excellent climb rate and good fuel economy even though I am only using a Rotax 503 engine. I opted for the 503 to get away from the extra burden of the coolant system on the 582.
Both my powered parachute and myself are heavy and that also contributes to the super stability of the rig. I haven't had the opportunity to fly this new rig a whole lot of hours since I put it together in December due to the weather and my physical condition, but that is about to change with Spring just around the corner.
I do have some more cross-country flights that I would dearly like to make in the future. I also have faith that I will recuperate to the point that I will be able to make them a reality.
My goal for 2002 is to get myself back into physical condition enough to fly for 3-4 hours in a day's time, and to make it to the World Powered Parachute Championship Competition at the Chute Out On The Prairie in Greenville, Illinois this August. I may not even make it to the final competitions but I intend to have a ball trying. :) I hope to have the good fortune to meet you there.
Here are a few photos of the new American Spirit. We will add some more later when we get some more good ones.
Have a good one!
Steve Thomas
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