what kind of airplane is this?

[agentsteel53]

it flew over my house.  looked like a small plane - maybe just a one-seater?  some kind of kit plane?

[dfilpus]

Looks like a Rutan VariEze with a couple of added fuel tanks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutan_VariEze

[agentsteel53]

thanks for the info!

I've got a general aviation airport very close to my house, so I get all kinds of small planes overhead, but this is the first time I'd seen this style.

[mgk920]

I agree on the 'VariEze'.  These and other interesting kit and factory-builts are as common as dirt at the annual EAA http://www.eaa.org week (late July/early August) in Oshkosh, WI.



Mike

[ghYHZ]

A buddy at work just got into powered paragliding.....and I went out to watch the other day:

Total investment was a little over $10K and you're flying!

[realjd]

What kind of licenses and training are required to pilot a paraglider like that?

Looking at your username I'm assuming you're Canadian, but the rules are probably similar for those of us in the States.

[ghYHZ]

What kind of licenses and training are required to pilot a paraglider like that?

Looking at your username I'm assuming you're Canadian, but the rules are probably similar for those of us in the States.

Briefly here's what he required:

5 day powered paragliding course, written test and 10 take-offs and landings to the satisfaction of the instructor........ You then receive a Student Pilot License.

Complete 30 solo take-offs and landings plus 5 hrs airtime.

Then take a Transport Canada written exam to obtain your Ultra-Light Pilots License.

And the aircraft is registered the same as an Air Canada jet would be: C-XXXX