Category Archives: Pilot Stories

Dreams of Flying (Leigh Taylor)

Ever since I was about 15 I had this dream of flying. I loved everything and anything with altitude. The higher I was, the better. As a kid I would always climb on roof of the house and look over the other houses to get a better view. I wanted to make flying my profession so upon leaving school, I drove to Moorabbin airport to investigate flight schools. In my investigations, I learned that you needed at least 1000 hours flying time before any commercial airline would accept you into their programme. Flying for Qantas would have been a dream come true. However my dreams were soon crushed when  I  found out to obtain a commercial pilots licence would cost in excess of $20,000 and to gain 1000 hours flight time meant trying to find a job in the aviation industry and as a rookie is not easy. I was told that the best way to gain hours quickly was to move to remote areas of Australia where flying is the main source of transport. Not only was $20,000 an extreme amount of money back in those days (1990), my parents were not wealthy and I had just left school, so the thought of moving so far away from home was daunting. So my dream was crushed and  my studies then lead me into Engineering as a metal fabricator. The money was good and this is where I have stayed until today. I still had a love for flying and found myself taking Joy flights where ever I could. I did an acrobatics flight in a Pit Special over Queenstown in New Zealand. I also went Heli-skiing whilst in New Zealand. I got to fly to the first ever Australian Grand Prix held at Albert Park in a Bell 206 Helicopter. I was also lucky enough to have many helicopter flights as my wife’s father worked at Jayrow Helicopters as the chief engineer. I also did a flight in a DC3 over to King Island just to go there for lunch. Something to do on a Sunday afternoon. These are just some of the many times I took to the sky, unfortunately it was with someone else at the controls.

Then in September 2016 a good friend of mine Rick and I were talking about our exploits of flying and our love to actually fly. Many years ago Rick mentioned to me he was taking flying lessons to obtain his Private Pilots Licence, but recently was looking into powered parachutes. He showed me some videos. “Now that looks awesome” I said. Rick owns a large property out the back of Tarneit, west of Melbourne and his recent investigations led him to Aerochute Industries. Rick and I both thoroughly investigated the safety of powered parachutes and found by all accounts claimed to be one of the safest forms of flying in the world. So it was decided this is what we want to do to finally fulfil a dream and a phone call was made to Stephen Conte from Aerochute Industries. Stephen is the founder and Chief Flight Instructor for Aerochute industries and talked to us about all aspects of flying his Aerochutes. It all sounded so perfect, so a booking was made to do an Introductory flight in November 2016 with Stephen.

The trial flight was nothing short of amazing and exhilarating and Stephen showed us how easy it was to fly an Aerochute. We did some low level flying and many turns at Stephen’s training ground. As we were flying, Stephen said over the intercom “take the controls and turn left and then right.  “Are you sure” I was thinking, knowing there were 2 sets of toggles so Stephen could control the Aerochute at the same time.  “I thought this is fantastic”. As I pulled down on the left toggle, the Aerochute began to banked left. Then a pull on the right toggle and off to the right we would go. It was so easy to fly and the view we had all the way to the City of Melbourne left me wanting more. Then over the intercom as we were flying in circuit,  “Were are going to do some touch and go’s” Stephen said. Touch and go’s are were you land and take off again.  Stephen made the landing feel so smooth, I couldn’t believe it. Four years ago prior to this day, I had broken my back in 3 places and have 2 titanium pins supporting my L1 vertebrae.

While my back feels 100% today,I did have a slight concern that the landing would be a little bumpy and maybe cause some aching in my back. However, not the case in the Aerochute. Stephen made the landings so soft that you could hardly tell you were back on the ground and then as the engine roars,  you are off completing another touch and go.

It was that moment despite the exhilaration and adrenaline pumping through me that this is what I wanted to do. After a few touch and go’s, thinking that was the end of the ride,  Stephen said “you can do a touch and go now”. The feeling of nervousness and excitement with some adrenaline thrown in as well was overwhelming. I was actually flying this thing and it feels amazing. Under his expert tuition, I circled the runway and lined up for my first touch and go. With Stephen coaching me through every step, I still couldn’t believe I was flying.  As we lined up the runway, concentration levels at the highest, ground rushing up at me, running through all the checks, then the  instruction came over the radio to “flare the parachute” and the Hummerchute we were flying gently touched down. “full power” was the next command and we were off flying again. “Did I really just do that” I said over the intercom. “You sure did” said Stephen. Wow, I can’t believe it and it’s so hard to put into words the feeling of flying an Aerochute, you just have to experience it yourself to understand. With no cockpit in your way, the air blowing in your face, un-obstructed views and knowing you are flying in one of the safest aircrafts in the world, I was hooked.

The introductory flight lasted about an hour in the air which in reality,only felt like 10 minutes, but it was time to land. After landing, the feeling of satisfaction and excitement was amazing. I was almost lost for words, which is unlike me. I shook Stephen’s hand and said “thanks so much for that, it was simply awesome”.

The smile on both mine and Rick’s faces said it all. This was it,  this was what we wanted to do. All the way home this was all we could talk about. For weeks after both Rick and I would call each other and talk about that day and how we need to enrol to do out pilots licence with Aerochute Industries. Whenever Rick and I got together, flying and Aerochute was the only topic of conversation. I’m sure our families were getting sick of it.

Then it was decided. It was time to enrol and a visit to the Aerochute factory in Coburg, we were shown how the Aerochutes are designed and built. Stephen also explained the steps taken to obtain CASA certification on his Aerochutes. With all the boxes ticked, we decided to book in for the training course.  This is finally real, this is really going to happen. I couldn’t sleep that night whenI got home due to the excitement. I became an overnight weather expert and I watched the weather forecast and waited in anticipation for Stephens phone call to say the weather was right and we will be flying this weekend.

Then the phone call came and we were to be at the airfield at 6.30am Saturday morning to start training. That night I was like a little kid on Christmas eve. I couldn’t sleep due to the excitement. Next minute the alarm goes off and I jump out of bed and get ready. Off to the airfield to start my dream. Rick was already there are well, obviously as excited as me.

Stephen showed us around and introduced us to James who is another flight instructor. We were showed how to do a safety checks over the aircraft and then a pilots brief on wind direction,  runways, flight circuits,  safety and basically how the day was going to run.

We then warmed up the aircraft and moved out onto the run way to set up the Aerochute. After being taught all the correct procedures in setting up the Aerochure, both the machine and the canopy,  it was time to climb aboard with our instructors. A check of our comms complete, checking the wind direction done, Runway clear, harness secure, “CLEAR PROP” was the next command and the Aerochute roared into life.  A small amount of acceleration and the canopy began to fill with air from the prop. As we slowly crept forward and the canopy centred directly over head it was  full power and up into the air we went. It was amazing how quick and easy the Aerochute can take off.

Without boring you with all the details, both Rick and I spent the next several weekends flying beside an instructor leaning all the technical aspects and emergency procedures of flying an Aerochute. We had completed just over 5 hours flight time  when Stephen said, “tomorrow we’ll do a dual flight check for solo”. That means if we pass and Stephen is satisfied we are competent, the next flight we will go up on our own.

During the flight check, both Rick and I demonstrated the necessary skills to satisfy Stephen that we are ready to go solo. With the solo examination complete, Stephen said we are both ready. So the following weekend it was time to do our first solo flight. Being a little nervous, but knowing we are in good hands and constant radio communications with Stephen, the first solo flight was totally exhilarating. Whilst enjoying the scenery from the air, Stephen maintained constant radio contact from the ground and  was observing us closely.  Whilst flying over the training ground, a herd of kangaroo’s were moving south, hopping graciously along the ground, what a sight. Looking at the horizon I could see the coastline around the bay. Looking a little further east and there was the city skyline. Wow…what a view!  

 Knowing that I am now flying by myself, whist still respecting the limitations and keeping constant vigilance on the task at hand, I realised, I have finally fulfilled my dream.

 I was flying!

Rick and I continued our training until we reached the required flight time and were granted our pilot licence to fly.  With an Aerochute each on the trailer, pilot licence in hand we were ready to let the adventure begin!

I just want to thank Stephen and James from Aerochute Industries for their professional tuition and for enabling me to finally live my lifelong dream.

Freedom of Flight (Sam Rutten)

Ever since I was young I fell in love with the idea of flying. I am now an electrician working a roster which gives me the flexibility of having seven days off at a time. During my weeks off from work I had the opportunity to train and fly and in 2015 I gained my 3 Axis Recreational Pilots Certificate.

I’ve been hiring fixed wing aircraft for a few years and have done a lot of research into buying my own but with the running cost and hangarage it was never an affordable option for me, until I considered the aerochute. With an aerochute I could drive it around the country, save money on running cost, store it at my own home and nothing beats the set up time.

I had never had anything to do with aerochutes in the past and only knew of what I read in Sport Pilot magazine so I decided to check out a nearby training school. I organised a trial flight, and from the get go I was hooked. I loved it instantly.

I bought an aerochute through the factory and did my conversion training in Werribee. The RPL training was straightforward and uncomplicated having already trained for a Class A Licence. After just 3 hours I was ready for my solo. Stephen from aerochute had me more excited than I should have been at that time of the morning in the cold Victorian winter. It definitely had me wearing a few more layers than I am used to in sunny Queensland. With nobody beside me in the seat, the chute took off like a rocket.

I’m honestly so happy with my decision to buy the aerochute. After many years of hiring I have finally realised the dream of owning and flying my own aircraft. The freedom and flexibility it comes with is paramount and extraordinary. Now I’ve got the chute and the trailer I am looking forward to taking it on a road trip through to the Northern Territory to enjoy the scenery from the air and the ground. Camping, hiking, exploring, flying. The dream.

Tim picks up his New hummerchute

Tim has been flying for a few months and flew his new Hummerchute in July for the first time.

Learning to fly an Aerochute has been one of the most exhilarating things I have experienced.

The trainers make you feel very comfortable and confident in yourself. If you had of asked me

three months ago that I would be flying solo I would have never believed you!!!

Tim Hunt.

Student Testimonials

Robyn Tarbit

I couldn’t delay my husband any longer to follow his dreams.  Only another year before he retires and he simply can’t wait the time out just flying his model aeroplane!  This was serious stuff so had to accompany him down to Werribee to check it out.  Went up for a flight with Steve and was amazed, this was what it was like when you dream as a child to be a bird and fly.  I really thought that I just maybe interested to accompany Graham on his flights.  Obviously next step was to book lessons for me as well so I could be an effective co-pilot knowing how positively useful I am when I am in the passenger seat of our car.

Had a jam packed week.  Steve has unbelievable patience, firm guidance, and to my amazement I was able to feel completely comfortable putting my total trust in him. (No mean feat as have always hated flying in small aircraft!)

My whole attitude has changed.  How mad is it that at 56 years of age and with no previous desire, I am now flying solo in our new Hummerchute, watching the weather, and rearranging my life  so that we can both live a dream……

Fred Cenko.

I currently have 10 hrs of flying time as a student pilot with Stephen Conte.  I thoughly recommend Steve and his Aerochutes and the training to anybody who is interested in taking up this fun sport.

~Patrick

A note on my first solo flight.

When setting up I was thinking gee this is fantastic. When I took off and had left ‘Mother Earth’ behind I thought gee what am I doing up here ! Then on looking down the feeling of freedom was nothing like I had ever had before.

The Aerochute is the most exciting form of doing something ‘free’ you’ll ever get. If you could grow feathers…you would be a bird!

My best experience ever!!!

Bringing Flying to the Masses with an Aerochute

It happens so quickly there’s virtually no time for second thoughts. After a rapid-fire pre-flight check of seatbelts, helmets and fuel delivery, pilot Stephen Conte fires up the engine, the propeller’s backwash fills the trailing parachute and our spindly conveyance goes bumping across what looks suspiciously like a cow paddock. 

After barely 15 metres the wheels stop hitting the bumps and begin to float: we are airborne, and climbing into the wide blue yonder.

This is flying, no doubt about it. We’re just beyond Melbourne’s suburban fringe near Werribee and there’s the city in the distance, Port Phillip Bay to the right and the Dandenongs far beyond. Directly below, the flat fields have visually expanded: the hills on the horizon are now almost touchable, there are tracks, dams, windmills and yes indeed, plenty of cows.

Business class travel it isn’t. Pilot and passenger are crammed onto a small settee and apart from the seatbelt there’s nothing between you and the elements apart, of course, from an amply stuffed pair of overalls to keep the wind at bay. I see my knees, the tips of my boots then the ground below.

Welcome to the world of Aerochutes, surely one of the cheapest ways to achieve powered flight in absolute safety. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a pilot but don’t have the time or money to get your licence then how does this sound: spend as little as five hours being taught how to take off, steer and land an Aerochute and you’re ready for solo flying. It’s that easy. Alternatively you can turn up on a Sunday morning and just go for a ride, like we did.

Part of the secret to an Aerochute’s accessibility is the simplicity of the machine itself. This particular example is manufactured in Melbourne by Aerochute International Pty Ltd, a company not coincidentally owned by my pilot. It consists of a roughly triangular frame with a Rotax two-stroke engine and propeller mounted on the back, a seat at the front, four wheels underneath and a few basic instruments.

And that’s about it except, of course, for the chute which acts as a wing for lift. It is also a fairly comprehensive safety device because it cannot be stalled (lose lift, that is), does not spiral and if the engine should cut out it lowers the whole shebang reasonably gently to earth, much like a normal parachute.

“We had a few incidents like that in the early days of Aerochuting,” says Conte. “But not any more and there’s never been a death or even serious injury so the safety record is excellent.”

The whole thing fits comfortably into a medium sized trailer and keen Aerochutists tend to take their aircraft on holidays with them. 

Get permission to use a suitably flat piece of ground, keep out of restricted air spaces and you could be whale watching off the coast, circling the Bungle Bungles in Western Australia or checking out any of Australia’s marvels from the air.

There are costs involved, of course, not least of which is purchasing your very own flying machine. Aerochute International has two models, the basic 52 horsepower Aerochute for around $20,000 or the more powerful Hummerchute which can carry more weight and costs around $26,000. That’s fully built to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards and includes everything from the engine, the chute and even air in the tyres. It’s not chickenfeed, but it’s a lot less than a Cessna.

Far from being a backyard operation, the company employs 10 people and is an Aussie export success story with its Aerochutes going to the USA and Europe where they are valued for their light but strong frames and handy side-by-side seating arrangement.

So, how do they go? Top speed is limited to about 70km/h mainly because the 10 metre-wide chute creates plenty of aerodynamic drag as well as lift. Perhaps more importantly they can go much slower if you want to get down to treetop level and investigate something interesting. 

Maximum legal ceiling height is 5000 feet although because “our” cow paddock is not far from Avalon Airport we don’t go above 1000 feet. Which seems plenty, given we’re basically in a propeller-driven go-kart hanging from a nylon bag.

And that’s what we do for a good half hour, buzzing around the area, heading down almost to ground level to follow a rutted track, practise a few touch-and-go landings and some steep turns. There’s a pilot-to-passenger intercom and a radio to contact other flyers but considering you have everything hanging out in the breeze, sometimes it’s just as easy to wave.

The controls are amazingly simple: there’s a foot operated throttle for maximum power on take off and steering is done by pulling the chute’s two cords to turn left or right. Throttle down to land, flare the chute back like a parachutist and you’re back in the paddock. Conte is a qualified instructor and has taught hundreds how to do it.

There’s a club, of course, called the Aerochute Association of Australia which operates out of Victoria, although members are from all over the country and even New Zealand and the USA. They’re hoping to get the biggest massed flight of at least 38 Aerochutists airborne sometime soon, which might even make Werribee’s nonchalant bovine population give a second glance upwards.

On this particular Sunday morning there’s just the four Aerochutes, two taking some pretty excited civilians on joy flights, the others just there for the flying. It’s all very pleasant and you can’t help feeling this was how flying used to be: no airports, queues or aggravation, just a bunch of guys and gals in a paddock tinkering with machines then taking them for a spurt. It’s something anyone with half a hankering to get airborne could get used to.