This publication is intended to keep our customers and other interested persons well informed about our company, products, support and powered parachutes in general. If you wish to be removed from the distribution list send a request to sixchuterinfo@comcast.net and we will remove you immediately.
Six Chuter 18th Anniversary!
By Dan Bailey, President Six Chuter Inc.
Written April 15th, 2008
IN THIS ISSUE
o Six Chuter P103UL Six Chuter Calendar
o Navigating the New Six Chuter Website
o Other Resources and Contact Information
Legend P103UL First Flight!
See Article On Page #2
Six Chuter Inc.
Yakima, WA
509 966-8211
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Although today is not regarded as one of our favorites (thanks to Uncle Sam), this day also marks another anniversary for Six Chuter Inc. Today is our 18th anniversary in business.
These of course are not the best of times as we all continue to struggle with adapting to this new environment. But over the years there have been many more good times to compliment those that weren't so good. As some of you who know me well, I am not one to seek attention for any achievement.
But, for me personally, each year marks time and adds value to the accomplishment of surviving in this sport where others have not. And in a large way in all these years Six Chuter has successfully maintained our credo of integrity and honesty.......where others have not. These are worthy achievements and enough to satisfy.
As I sat and pondered writing this letter last night it gave me an opportunity to do my own reminiscing. Unfortunately during this time I have aged as well and total history regretfully escapes me. Nonetheless, our successes and even some failures wrap around me like a warm blanket. As I have told some, I have few regrets over these past 18 years, the most prevalent being that my parents did not live long enough to see or enjoy these things that I have. Even at that I have made so many friends and even some enemies, all of which I cherish because without you and them the sum total of this journey would be less and so would I.
Just yesterday I spoke with the proud, new owner of a used 1993 Sky Ryder. He was simply giddy about not just being in the sport, but that he owned a Six Chuter, a long time dream come true for him. As we spoke about the unit he told me of his research before purchasing and the positive comments from other ppc owners about Six Chuter; about how he could depend on our company to be here for him; and of course glowingly about a 15 year old unit now in his possession. How can I not feel privileged to be here?
This has been a good ride.
Dan
Six Chuter Legend P103UL First Flight
We have “deluged” you throughout last year and early this year with information on the “Six Chuter Fleet” of Special Light Sport approved aircraft. In our last bulletin our feature article was about the “hat trick”, or success in FAA certification of all three of our basic models, the single seat P103, the Tandem and the XT ssdc (side-by-side dual-control).
So that might have some feeling like we are leaving the Part 103 market behind. Not so. Dan Bailey has just completed some modifications to our P103 line to make sure that we have a single seat with a Rotax 503 engine that solidly meets the 103-weight limit (254 lbs). The original Legend P103 model designed and marketed since 2004 was just barely under the 254-pound limit. That required use of the cloth seat, and wood prop and was on a shorter airframe than later P103 models. Many who purchased the single seat over the past year wanted larger tires and wheels, an extended airframe, fiberglass seat and a three blade composite prop. Thus we launched the SP103E (for extended airframe). That particular model, because it exceeds part 103 weight limits has now become our SLSA model that is available as Special Light Sport or in an ELSA Kit.
Dan has designed the P103UL to go back to the basic single seat model, but maintain the ability to build and fly it legally with the larger Rotax 503 engine. The new P103UL utilizes an all fiberglass deck, a fiberglass seat, nylon wheels with smaller tires and the Tennessee wood prop. The P103UL will come standard with the Barnstormer 360 with the slightly larger Barnstormer 400 also available.
With some slight modifications to the canopy steering tubes there is actually more leg room in the UL than we achieved with the SP103E! The fanguard diameter has been reduced some and a few other fabrication details results in a weight well under the legal limit. Additionally, Six Chuter will market this aircraft with a variety of engine options including the Kawasaki 440, the Rotax 447 and the Standard Rotax 503 dcdi. Recommended starting retail price for the P103UL in kit form is just under $9,000!
For information on this aircraft and the full line of Six Chuter powered parachutes check out the website at www.sixchuter.com
. Six Chuter Calendar
The Six Chuter Calendar is designed to keep our current owners and prospective owners informed about training, educational, networking, and fly in opportunities. Here is a summary of the 2008 calendar.
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5/22/2008 1:00 PM
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5/26/2008 12:00:00 PM
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6/13/2008 1:00 PM
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6/15/2008 12:00:00 PM
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7/9/2008 9:00 AM
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7/13/2008 3:00:00 PM
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8/1/2008 9:00 AM
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8/3/2008 5:00:00 PM
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8/28/2008 1:00 PM
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8/31/2008 5:00:00 PM
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GREAT AMERICAN POWERED PARACHUTE RACES
Six Chuter is helping to sponsor a very unique, first of its kind, event called the “Great American Powered Parachute Race”. The “race” will have venues in the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast U.S. Race organizers include the Western Powered Parachute Association and the Eastern Powered Parachute Association.
The first draft or rules and task description are available on the Six Chuter website. Just go to the following link.
Navigating the New Six Chuter Website
If you haven’t stopped in lately to the Six Chuter website www.sixchuter.com you will likely be surprised by the new look and new features. The changes apparent on the website are just a part of a move to something called “Powerchuteuniverse.” This is an endeavor lead by Mike Lersbak, Tower Marketing and a member of our marketing and communications team. Mike’s vision, creativity and expertise are building a multi layer Internet “universe” for the powered parachute enthusiast. This new “universe” will provide you with a “portal” that can lead you to just about any resource you need to explore the sport or become actively involved for life (accessories, sales, training, clubs and much more.) Watch the progress on the universe at www.powerchuteuniverse.com. This all remains “under construction” so just stop in from time to time to watch the progress. A layer of the universe is the new Six Chuter site. Take a moment to go to the site and register, if you haven’t already. If you are an owner you can register and gain access to some areas that others can’t, such as “owner’s forum” and downloadable manuals and other information. Here are some features of the Six Chuter site you will want to check out:
HOME PAGE
Ø Look for the active links throughout the front page that will steer you quickly and directly to any resource on the page.
Ø Read the features at the bottom of the page, such as the Ultraflight Radio interview with Flight Center Manager Joe Fenstermacher.
Ø Check out a glimpse of the “blog” on the right side of the page to stay abreast of announcements from the factory and our flight centers.
CALENDAR
Ø Accessible from the Home Page pull down the calendar will provide you with many opportunities to connect with resources or to meet personally with one of our representatives throughout the U.S.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS (still working on this)
Ø Accessible from the Home Page pull down will be packed with cool videos and pictures of Six Chuters in action.
LEARNING TO FLY
Ø If you are new to the sport, review the articles under “Learning to Fly” link to find out more about what it takes to fly a powered parachute and to connect with other training resources.
2008 AIRCRAFT (still constructing)
Ø Our product reviews for 2008 will provide you with a guided narrative and slide show of each of our products. Check out the first production by reviewing the SP103.
FIND A REPRESENTATIVE
Ø Our new representative locator provides an interactive map to help find someone to support you close to home.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Ø Check out the first page of our updated customer support division and you will see again what sets Six Chuter apart from others. We have provided our current and future customers with a variety of ways to connect, communicate and get support.
Ø If you are an owner you can enjoy the new Owner’s forum, Blog and downloadable documents.
Ø If you are a Six Chuter Representative we now have an area just for you to access information relevant to helping you be successful in providing customer support.
We will be constantly updating and adding features to our website that will help make this an interactive experience for everyone.
RESOURCES
Dealer and Customer Resources
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INFORMATION
Sales Information:
Dan Bailey
509 966-8211
Fight Center/Training/Six Chuter Representative Information
SIX CHUTER INC. AUTHORIZED FLIGHT CENTERS
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Ft. Vancouver Aerosports LLC
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Portland Or.
Vancouver, WA
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360 896-8916
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Seattle Powerchutes
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Arlington, WA
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425 739-0111
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Bonneville Skybase
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Salt Lake City, UT
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801 816-0472
801 278-4566
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Scratch Gravel Aviation LLC
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Helena, Mt.
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406 458-6420
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Wiley-Wales Powerchutes LLC
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Pleasant View, CO
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970 562-3096
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Quaker State Powered Parachutes
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Honey Brook, PA
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610 273-0220
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Rolando Santiago
Factory Authorized Assembler
Vancouver, WA Friday May 9th, Brush Prairie Airfield. Wind 2-5 knots. Temperature 58. Pilot weight 220. Gross weight 500 lbs.
The P103UL serial number 3086 is equipped as a standard 103UL with the Rotax 503 DCDI engine, B gearbox, and Tennessee wood prop and in this flight the 400’ canopy.
The nose is very light without pilot on board. The result is easy to move around and handle with one person. Several ground runs proved solid steering authority. Legroom was so extensive we had to adjust steering bars backwards.
Acceleration with the 503 is “exciting”. The 400’ canopy kited easily with less than 100’ ground roll required. We extended the run to insure the canopy was in good shape. Climb out was really spectacular. We did not have a VSI on board but estimated climb rate in excess of 500 fpm.
Steering was very responsive. I might even describe it as “snappy”! Despite some “bumpy air” today stability was great. Touch and goes were easy. The spring suspension took up any potential bounce. The nylon wheels and standard tires were solid.
The 103UL uses the adjustable c.g. tubes and we reset them one inch to bring the nose up slightly, after first flight.
Legend 103UL 3086 was signed off with no discrepancies and will be turned over to new owner Lee Rathbun this week.
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