Frequently Asked Questions

Can I re-start engine in flight?

Although it takes some practice, yes you can re-start engine in flight. The Powerplanes Owners manual covers this in detail.

What is  the climb rate?

Raven: This depends again on glider type and pilot weight combination but a medium sized pilot on medium sized glider such as 78 kg. With a 147 Ultra Sport or similar will get about a 1.8 to 2 m second climb rate - or roughly 400 FPM .

Orbiter XP : Phenominal! The Orbiter can also be used by tandem pilots and safely bring 200 kg into the air!

How long does a tank of gas last?

On cruise mode a tank of gas usually lasts a few hours. You can get much more in soaring conditions - or less if you want to climb straight to 10,000 feet...........

Can I set up and take off without needing a helper / assistance?

Using the right method it is absolutely no trouble to set up glider, do all checks, and take off by yourself. There is a simple procedure documented in your Powerplanes owners manual.

Where can I learn to fly one?

This depends on where you are in the world. Some schools are already up to speed - others are coming. Often most people learn from others who already have one. For some larger group purchases, at delivery time we even fly to your location and give a full instruction course on flying with Raven or Orbiter XP units. Interested persons can contact us for more details .

Where do I get service?

Both Raven and Orbiter XP Engine and reduction units are well made and generally require little maintenance. If however you should ever need service beyond your mechanical ability then any motorcycle or even chain saw repair shop can generally offer proper assistance.

Can I take off from flat ground?

Yes this is actually the preferred way to launch with either Raven or Orbiter XP. Important is that the wing is the right size for your weight and chosen field is free of obstacles.

How much room do I need to take off?

Both Raven and Orbiter XP have good thrust performance and take-off distance varies from 5 meters to even 20 meters depending on wind conditions, glider, wing loading density altitude etc, however for an example: Using the Raven a 78 kg pilot with 10 km wind will be off in about 5 meters with a 147 Ultra Sport, With no wind about 15 meters run is required. See video section for launch sequences with and without wind.

Using the Orbiter XP in 10 km wind you can take off in less than 5 meters and with no wind max 15 meters. Paramotor takeoff - and flying speeds are respectively slower than Hang Gliders.

What about Airline travel with Raven?

We travel with short packed Ravens on Airlines on a regular basis.
The Raven has a special feature which allows you to short pack it nicely to a near 1 meter length. You can see this picture on the Raven Gallery page. Propeller is best to take in its protective cover as “on board luggage” to play it safe.

Can I fly with any glider?

Raven: There is a wide Range of gliders being flown with Raven system and personally I have flown 20 different types from the Wills Falcon to the Ecstasy and Moyes Lightspeed and many others in between. I found as a general rule that most gliders maintain their original flying characteristics i.e.: if a glider flys nice it stays nice - if it’s a bit of a pig to handle - its still a pig. What does change is that with the extra weight your overall flying speeds are slightly higher. The most outstanding gliders I have found so far a the Easy - the Wills Falcon , Advanced Intermediate Wills Ultrasport and High performance - the Moyes Lightspeed. Ecstasy was fine also.

Orbiter XP: Paraglider type for paramotoring is more critical because if it does not have good launch characteristics then you can not even get the glider over you head on flat ground - on a no wind day. A good paramotor wing instead has great inflation characteristics - and once inflated you apply gas giving full thrust to help you run for launch.

How fast is cruise speed?

Raven: Cruise speed again varies with glider type and wing loading, however average guy on a double surface glider can cruise comfortably at 60 - 70 kmh, pulling in just slightly you can clip along at closer to 80kmh. Of course if really like to go slow with a Falcon you can chug along at ca. 35kmh.

Orbiter XP: depending on your wing you can cruise either incredible slow - mid 20’s or an amazingly fast mid 55kmh range with wings like the English made Reflex which remain stable even at high speed.

What is landing like?

Raven: the great thing is that you have extra options on landing - such as:

a) you can leave the propeller freewheeling which acts as a drogue chute when you pull the bar in therefore shortening your approach.

b) You can also give a bit of gas if it looks as though you misjudged and are going to undershoot

c) When nylon leg skids come into contact with the ground it tends to slow the glider down and make it easier to flare - so landing is easy. Consider also that the 90% of the Ravens total weight is on the leg skids - so you are not carrying this extra weight on landing.

Orbiter XP: With the generally low wing loading of a paraglider and the very high breaking area of the paraglider / motor wing, landing is no problem at all. There is a BIG advantage that with the Orbiter XP you can apply some power if you are coming up short on final , then plunk it down on the spot.

What is the assembly procedure?

Raven: unzip bag, connect leg clips, unzip leg section, unfold front section, roll harness over, put on propeller, - and harness is ready to go. It takes roughly 2 minutes.

Orbiter XP: Connect bottom section of cage to frame and Velcro together, put top section of cage on and Velcro together ,& you are ready to go. It takes roughly 2 minutes.