Rickert's
DK Whisper
Powered Paraglider Research Site (PPG)

Welcome... This site is intended as a basic starting point for people with interest in Powered Paragliding and DK Whisper equipment. Like many people, I've always had a dream of flying.  For many years I was researching and considering an Ultralight.  However, the many horror stories of people hitting power lines and crashing were discouraging. In searching for an alternative form of flight on the Internet I found several sites which showed me that getting in the air can be easier, safer and cheaper.

This page last updated on 03/12/2006.

Quick Facts:

1. Cost: $5500 (Harness & Engine) + $2000 (Wing) + $1000 (Training) + $500 (Accessories) + $500 (Travel) + $500 (Tax) = $10,000
2. Height: 500-2000 feet AGL (Record is above 16,000 feet ASL, 6000 feet AGL)
3. Speed: 13-25 mph
4. Airtime: 50-100 minutes
5. Weight of passenger: 100-200lbs is no problem. 200-300lbs may require a larger wing or engine. 300+lbs not recommended.
6. Weight of harness/engine: 60 lbs
7. Licenses required: None
8. The engine is not needed for landings.
9. Body weight is a critical factor in choosing the right model.
10. In general, the more propellers the better.
11. Take offs take up to 50 feet, landings as few as 10 feet.
12. Proper training is critical.

Common problems:

1. Noise from engine.
2. Harness flight comfort.
3. Harness/engine ground weight.
4. Underpowered thrust for passenger weight.
5. Prop damage due to falling, etc.
6. Difficult take off and landings.

Items I always fly with:

1. Boots with ankle protection, soft soles and no metal clips/eyes.
2. Altimeter
3. Compass
4. Mobile phone
5. Helmet
6. Ear plugs
7. Emergency cut-away knife

Items I sometimes fly with:

1. GPS
2. Digital camera
3. Motorola TalkAbout 2-way radio
4. Palm V w/ digital maps
5. Reserve Parachute (Accidents are usually to close to the ground for these to be effective.)

Items I decided to fly without:

1. Back or spine protection (These are more for Paragliders, the motor harness protects us.)

This is the DK Whisper GT.   The GT can be upgraded to the GTO by replacing the props and cage.  However, Ray makes me think people have problems getting the GTO into their cars.

Here is a closer look at the engine of the DK Whisper GT.  It has 3-props's made of a composite graphite material that should reduce vibration, noise, and prop splits.  The drawback is probably a higher cost in replacing the props when you break them.

Here is a clearer view of the muffler. I expect this is one of the first parts of the unit that will need maintenance.  The welding on the inside of the muffler will eventually vibrate loose.

Notice how well I can pack the fully assembled Whisper GT, Wing, Gas and accessories in my Subaru hatch-back.

One of the nice options the DK Whisper offers is an optional 3-wheeled trike attachment if I find that take-off's and landings are to hard to do on foot. At one point they were giving the trike free with the purchase of a new system.  Unfortunately, this offer has expired.

One of the most important aspects of learning to fly a PPG is flying your Wing like a kite.  A lot of your initial training is simply learning to control your wing and getting comfortable with the controls.  Without fully mastering this step you will find take-offs difficult and overall enjoyment compromised. This is me at training in Florida.

Taking off is just a matter of getting a bit of air under the wing, running a few steps, and hitting the ignition button.  Most of the time a launch can be accomplished by running 10-50 feet. The difficult part is when there is no wind to help lift the wing.  You must be strong enough to run 6mph with 60lbs on your back for 50ft.

The airspeed of the Paraglider is quite slow and allows you to drop down close to the ground easily.  I look forward to exploring some of the hidden valleys of the Minnesota river system.

I have found several sites with photos of people using their Paragliders in the snow and in winter-like conditions.  Some people complain about the temperature at higher altitudes during the summer.  If I were to consider flying in the winter it would seem quite important to dress very warm.

The height that people choose to fly varies quite a bit depending where and who they are.  I've read about people who fly up until they run out of gas.   The decent can take as long as 45 minutes.

Manufacturers & Dealers Sites Accessories Training Resources Repair & Maintenance DK Company Research Diary PPG Pilot Database

[11/20/99]