Powrachute
Airwolf

Straightening Out Parachute Lines at the Greenville Airport

More Power, More Fun

The Powrachute Airwolf was created for pilots who loved the Pegasus, but who wanted the additional power provided by the Rotax 912 Engine. With tandem seating and power enough to lift most any two people in some of the most challenging conditions, the Airwolf is a very versatile powered parachute. The Airwolf actually has three high-power versions sporting different powerplants. The Airwolf is available with either Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) or Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) certifications.

Standard Features:

  • Three Four-Stroke Engine Choices
  • Dual Quad Hydraulic Spring over Suspension
  • Super 4 stroke EIS
  • Electric Start
  • 4-Point Seat Belts
  • Strobe
  • Oil Cooler
  • 10 Gallon Fuel Tank
  • Extended Foot Bars
  • Deluxe Seats
  • Side Bag
  • Electric Fuel Pump
  • Spun Aluminum Wheels
  • Turf Glide Tundra Tires
  • 3 Blade Warp Drive Prop 68”
  • Oil Tank
  • Stainless Steel Exhaust
  • Line Socks
  • APCO “Cruiser” 550 Wing
  • Chute Bag
  • Choice of Standard Color Chassis and Brackets

Optional Equipment and Upgrades:

  • Gas Charged Shocks
  • Nickel Leading Edge Prop
  • Prop Spinner
  • Candy Color Powder Coat Paint
  • 15 Gallon Fuel Tank
  • 18 Gallon Fuel Tank
  • Front Disc Brake
  • Light Bar w/Landing Lights
  • Whelen Marker Lights/Strobes
  • Rear and Up-Facing LED Lights
  • Ceramic Coated Exhaust
  • Painted Valve Covers
  • Painted Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
  • Fuel Gasculator
  • Curtis Drain Oil & Gasculator
  • Second Side Bag
  • Rock Guard
  • 12 Volt Battery Cut Off
  • Fuel Level Sending Unit
  • Bucket Style Molded Seats
  • Performance Designs 550 Wing
  • Premium Rudder Trim Locks
  • Rear Seat Kill Switch W/Key
  • Dual Throttle
  • Dual Flight Steering
  • Dual Ground Steering
  • Side Mounted Ground Steering
  • ELSA Package w/o DAR Inspection
  • ELSA DAR Airworthiness Inspection
  • SLSA Certification Package

Aircraft Specifications:

Specification Value
Empty Weight (without wing) 462 lbs
Empty Weight (with wing) 486lbs
Length 128 inches
Width 81.5 inches with Tundra Tires
Height 88 inches with Air Shocks
Stall speed Virtually stall resistant
Max payload 550 wing 700lbs @MSL
Max payload 500 wing 650lbs @MSL
Take off roll 50ft to 300ft*
Landing roll 10ft to 100ft*
Sink rate 8-12 feet per second*
Glide ratio 4:1
Airspeed 32-36 mph*
Rate of Climb 700-1,200 feet per minute*
Rate of Descent 400-600 feet per minute engine off*

*As with all aircraft: payload,engine choice, winds, altitude, temperature, humidity and all around atmospheric conditions can and will vary the performance of a powered parachute.

Information provided by the manufacturer.

Options Explained

Below is a description of the options and features on a Powrachute Airwolf. All of the options are great, but some of the options are more essential than others.

Rating Scheme

Taster's Choice means that either choice is good. Some people like the feature, others don't. Or, it may be that the option depends on where you are flying. Harsher environments may make certain features more critical.

Recommended means that most pilots really do enjoy this option.

Don't means that you really shouldn't worry about that particular option. It may be out of date or there is a better option.

Instructor Upgrade is an upgrade geared towards flight training. This is important if you are an instructor, want to become an instructor, or if you want to receive training in your Airwolf.

Gas Charged Shocks

Gas charged shocks are an optional upgrade from the standard Dual Quad Hydraulic Spring over Suspension. Both systems work very well. The hydraulic spring over suspension is a little springier and heavier. The gas charged shock system is lighter (which is always nice in aviation) and stiffer (which can make harder landings even harder). Either choice is good. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Nickel Leading Edge Prop

The nickel leading edge prop is an option on the standard carbon fiber Warp Drive propeller. The stock propeller has leading edge tape which prevents very light damage. However, if you are flying from runways with tall grass, areas with gravel, or anything else that can damage the propeller, you probably need a little more protection. The nickel leading edge is installed at the Warp Drive factory and is a solid piece of nickel embedded into the leading edge of each propeller blade. The metal edge helps prevent a lot of wear and tear on the carbon fiber blades. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Prop Spinner

A prop spinner is purely cosmetic. It actually gets in the way of laying out the wing if you use the stacked method of parachute layout and you put your shoulder into nudging the airframe forward to tighten the parachute lines. Don't

Last updated 1/29/24

Candy Color Powder Coat Paint

All Powrachute powder coat finishes look great. The candy color paints are a two-step process that increases the cost, but they are really nice. If you want your Airwolf to really stand out, it's a great option. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

15 Gallon Fuel Tank

The standard fuel tank is 10 gallons, which will keep you flying for a couple of hours, especially if you are flying solo. The 15 gallon fuel tank is what I've found to be ideal for myself and most pilots. It gives you half again the fuel capacity and the top of the tank provides a nice passenger seat floor. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

18 Gallon Fuel Tank

The 18 gallon tank option is just a little too much of a good thing. The extra fuel capacity comes at a cost to legroom for the passenger. If you really think you need it, go for it. The legroom issue is the only issue. Don't

Last updated 1/29/24

Front Disc Brake

In a time long ago, powered parachutes didn't even have the option for a brake. Now, with the power of the Rotax 912, it's hard to hold one back even with a front brake! You need this. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Light Bar w/Landing Lights

The light bar is a nice feature and really handy if you stay out late flying and you need to land and taxi back in the dark. And if you're flying at night near an airport, it also makes you more visible to other pilots. However, the standard LED landing lights sometimes cause radio interference. Powrachute offers an option for this option that I recommend. It's an aviation landing light that doesn't put out any radio interference. Of course since the word 'aviation' is on the upgraded upgrade, it's more expensive. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Whelen Marker Lights/Strobes

If you want to fly at night or for that half hour after sunset as a sport pilot, marker lights are required by FAA regulation. And since some of the best flying is at sunset, you won't want to come down early. These lights are also difficult to install after the Airwolf is already built since the wires for the strobes are cleanly installed by the factory inside the airframe tubes. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Rear and Up-Facing LED Lights

One of these lights aims up at the parachute and the other to the rear of the airframe. The rear light helps if you are packing the parachute after sunset. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Ceramic Coated Exhaust

The stainless steel exhaust that comes with Rotax 912 series engines is very servicable and does not need a coating to remain servicable. However... the exhaust isn't hidden under a cowling. It is very visible and becomes discolored in its natural state. Ceramic coating keeps it shiny and attractive. And who doesn't like shiny and attractive? Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Painted Valve Covers

Rotax 912 engines come with four painted valve covers that are very visible since the engine is out in the open. Unfortunately, the valve covers on the 912ULS engine are an unattractive (to me) green that matches very few color schemes. This Powrachute option involves removing the four valve covers and painting them to match the rest of your powered parachute. This makes a difference since the engine is very visible. It's a beautiful engine and this makes it even more beautiful. However, fuel injected engines have other parts that match the valve covers, making the effect less dramatic. Recommended for Rotax 912ULS

Last updated 1/29/24

Painted Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

The cover is very nice, but the engine is also good looking. This is something that is definitely cosmetic and a matter of taste. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Fuel Gasculator

A gasculator not only filters fuel, it helps seperate water out of the fuel. You never have to buy another fuel filter again and this does a better job. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Curtis Drains for Oil and Gasculator

These are maintenance game-changers. Curtis drains replace the screw in plugs on the bottom of the Rotax Oil Tank and the Gasculator. The Oil Tank Curtis Drain allow you to drain the oil out of the engine quickly and cleanly for oil changes. The Gasculator Curtis Drain allows you to easily check your fuel system for contaminants. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Second Side Bag

Every Airwolf comes with a saddle bag mounted to the side of the aircraft by the passenger. It's very handy for stowing the line socks and parachute bag before flight. The second bag mounts on the other side of the passenger. It adds symmetry and room to store other items like jackets, water, and emergency gear. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Rock Guard

If you are flying from fields with tall grass or gravel, the Rock Guard will help protect your propeller. It works with the nickel leading edge to keep your valuable propeller safe. However, unlike the nickel leading edge on the propeller blades, the rock guard does reduce the airflow to the propeller. It's an important option if you are flying in rough terrain, but if you are on nicely mowed green grass, it's less important. If your budget only allows one or the other, go with the nickel leading edges on the propeller. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

12 Volt Battery Cut Off

The 12 Volt Battery Cut Off does two things for you. First, it prevents any kind of residual battery drain by cutting off all power to the rest of your powered parachute. This is not a big issue if you use a battery tender. Second, it makes it a little less easy for kids or random people to start your powered parachute. The switch is located at the rear of the Airwolf where it is less obvious to the uninformed (but inspired) wannabe pilot. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Fuel Level Sending Unit

OK, who doesn't want a fuel guage? Powrachute installs the sender in your fuel tank and calibrates it to your instrument panel of choice. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Bucket Style Molded Seats

The standard seats are so nice. You want them and not these. Don't

Last updated 1/29/24

Performance Designs 550 Wing

I'm an old-school PD fan. The 550 wing was a standard in the industry for many years and is made from quality skydiving materials, which are more dimensionally stable. However, the stock APCO parachute kites well and is less expensive. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Premium Rudder Trim Locks

Trim locks help you adjust the directional trim of your parachute for when you are flying with a crosswind on a cross country or when you have someone in the back seat and have to run at a higher engine RPM, which creates torque. Recommended

Last updated 1/29/24

Rear Seat Kill Switch w/Key

If you are training someone to fly and they forget to turn of the engine, it can be a disaster. Your parachute floating down into a spinning prop can be expensive. A rear seat kill switch lets you kill the engine when needed. Also helps for aborted takeoffs. Instructor Upgrade

Last updated 1/29/24

Dual Throttle

If you are training someone to fly, you need to be able to control the throttle from the back seat. Instructor Upgrade

Last updated 1/29/24

Dual Flight Steering

If you are training someone to fly, you need to be able to steer the parachute from the back seat. Instructor Upgrade

Last updated 1/29/24

Dual Ground Steering

If you are training someone to fly, it is handy to be able to steer the cart from the back seat. It's not as critical as dual flight steering, but it's a great option. Instructor Upgrade

Last updated 1/29/24

Side Mounted Ground Steering

Side Mounted Ground Steering is the alternative to the standard tiller-style steering. Either choice is good. The tiller-style steering is great for handling the aircraft while maneuvering your Airwolf in the hangar or in and out of your trailer. However, the tiller makes it hard to see your instrument panel. The side mounted ground steering is probably what you will learn on and allows you to see your instruments without lifting it out of the way. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

Turf Glide Front Wheel

The Turf Glide Front Wheel option is for pilots flying off of beaches or rougher terrain. It replaces the front tire with one of the same large turf tires used for the main landing gear. It also comes with side steering and a more robust front fork and suspension. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

ELSA Package w/o DAR Inspection

If you're flying your powered parachute in the United States, you will need to get it both registered and get an airworthiness inspection. It's possible to get an airworthiness inspection for free from the FAA, but it's probably more fuss than what you save. Unless you have a lot of experience with the FAA and your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), I don't recommend this. Don't

Last updated 1/29/24

ELSA DAR Airworthiness Inspection

One of the two options for your required aircraft certification is as an Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA) by a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR). An ELSA certified aircraft allows you to do all of the maintenance on your Airwolf without additional training and allows you to do your required annual inspection with only a 16-hour course. If you go this route, you can't use your Airwolf for training or rental. And if MOSAIC allows commercial operations at some point, an ELSA certified aircraft won't qualify to do that work. The alternative is getting your aircraft certified as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft (below). With this option Powrachute takes care of everything. Taster's Choice

Last updated 1/29/24

SLSA Certification Package

One of the two options for your required aircraft certification is as Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA)) by a Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR). A SLSA certified aircraft allows you to do much of the maintenance (but not all) on your Airwolf without additional training and requires that you get your annual inspection from an FAA-rated maintenance person. If you go this route, you can use your Airwolf for training or rental. And if MOSAIC allows commercial operations at some point, an SLSA certified will be the ones that qualify to do that work. The alternative is getting your aircraft certified as an Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (above). With this option Powrachute takes care of everything. Instructor Upgrade

Last updated 1/29/24

Airwolf with Standard Instrument Pod and EIS

This is an Airwolf with a standard instrument pod and instrumentation. The instrument is the  EIS from GRT Avionics. It displays engine information along with altitude and rate of climb. 

Last updated 10/26/2023

Red Airwolf with Standard Instrument Pod and EIS
Airwolf Equipped with the MGL Xtreme Panel

The MGL XTreme EFIS is an affordable mini electronic flight instrumentation system. It can be configured as a primary flight display (with altitude heading referece system (AHRS) sensors added), and/or an engine monitor (with Remote Data Aquisition Computer (RDAC) added). It includes a GPS receiver that is used to provide ground speed and range information, a basic course deviation indicator (CDI) navigator, and as a backup/control for the AHRS.

Last updated 10/26/2023

Airwolf Equipped with the MGL Extreme Panel   Airwolf Equipped with the MGL Extreme Panel
Airwolf with Large Instrument Pod

This is an Airwolf equipped with the large instrument pod containing a Garmin 760 for navigation (top) and a Standard EIS (bottom) for engine gauges. It also has the tundra tire front wheel with hydraulic brakes which is ideal for rougher or soft terrain.

Other add-ons you see is a RAM Quick Grip phone mount on the left and an Icom A16 radio mounted with the RAM system on the right side.

Last updated 10/26/2023

Tan Airwolf with Large Pod
Detail Photo of Airwolf with Garmin 760 Panel and EIS

This is detail shot of the same Airwolf equipped with the large instrument pod containing containing a Garmin 760 for navigation (top) and a Standard EIS (bottom) for engine gauges. The Garmin 760 features a touchscreen interface.

Last updated 10/26/2023

Airwolf with Garming 760 Panel and EIS
The Best of Both: Garmin 760 and MGL Xtreme

This combination gives you a dedicated device for navigation (the Garmin 760 on top) and a dedicated engine monitoring system (the MGL Xtreme) on the bottom.

Last updated 10/26/2023

Garmin 760 and MGL Xtreme
Airwolf Equipped with a Dynon Skyview HDX

This is an Airwolf equipped with the large instrument pod to accomodate the Dynon Skyview HDX. This solution includes a touch screen and built in ADSB-Out.

Last updated 10/26/2023.

Airwolf equipped with a Dynon Skyview HDX