_________
PREDATOR PPC
_________
NEWS
_________
CONTACT
US
_________
________________________________________________________________
Hughes Aero Corporation
Manufacturer of the PREDATOR
Powered Parachute
_________________________
Phone: 979-282-2005
-
- 882 Robert Vonderau
- Hangar# 30, Wharton Airport
- Wharton, TX 77844
________________________________________________________________
This section of our Website Contains:
| A Brief History | TV Show | Management BIO's |
| Company Goals | Mission Statement | (return to Top of Pg) |
________________________________________________________________
First, a Brief History…
PPC History first…
Powered Parachuting got its start in the mid 60’s from a unique, and incredibly efficient kite-design (the
“parafoil”) by Dominic Jalbert. Jalbert took his design for testing to the best aerodynamic wind-tunnel of the time, at Notre Dame University. After reviewing the positive wind-tunnel results, Notre Dame took on the project to
turn this ‘parafoil-kite” into an aircraft. And with a few brave and innovative people like test-pilot, Lowell Farrand who soared with the flex-winged machines built from “trial & error” designs – success was achieved. The
sport however did not really start to draw the attention of the public until the early 1980’s, when Steve Snyder took the idea and built a single-seat ultralight aircraft – the “ParaPlane”. By the 1990’s a few manufactures began to spring up, and now the industry
has grown to be a world-wide recognized aviation sport. But still, only a few companies have risen to the challenge of integrating with the FAA LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) standards to meet the S-LSA and E-LSA requirements.
Company History…
Hughes Aero Corp began in the late 1990’s as “Chute the Breeze”. “Chute the Breeze” was the brain child of Scott and
Lisa Hughes for Powered Parachute Sales and Flight Training.
Along the way, Scott and Lisa decided to build their own powered parachute. Hughes Air Aviation, LLC was formed in 2004 to
manufacture the Predator. In the first year of business the Predator powered parachute received the “Oshkosh Innovation Award” from the EAA.
In its second year the “Predator” received the honor of becoming the first
ever Powered Parachute to win the coveted “Gold Lindy/GRAND CHAMPION” at Oshkosh. (And now I feel like one of those commercials where they say, “but wait… there’s
more”.) More awards came at Sun-N-Fun where the Predator won “Best Powered Parachute” and also for the first
time ever a Powered Parachute (a “Predator”) won “Best Commercial Aircraft” with the Red Baron Predator. At Oshkosh in 2007, a purple Predator went on to receive (for
an incredible second time) a Gold Lindy/GRAND CHAMPION award; along with a Bronze Lindy for a Blue Predator PPC.
As ‘word-of-mouth’ about the Predator’s industry-recognized-quality spread, business substantially increased; forcing both
physical & corporate expansion. So in June of 2006, Hughes Aero Corp. was established and acquired the rights/patents to the “Predator” from our original company, “Chute the Breeze”.
And “Chute the Breeze” was retained as the training subsidiary.
Hughes Aero Corp. has now moved into the number one spot in sales of used powered parachute and replacement wings in the nation. We are also just a ‘breathe-away’ from the number one spot in sales of new Powered Parachutes. Overall, the company can be characterized as a Powered Parachute aircraft company, focusing on Training, Sales & Service. Our Certified FAA Flight Instructors have safely solo’d more new PPC pilots than any other training school (just under 1000) and our staff has authored the top Training Manuals/DVD’s (including the FAA Handbook for PPC's). Our Sales department can help with any retail or wholesale (for dealer) of new or used light sport aircraft. And our Service department can assist with repairs, maintenance or with replacement of parts.
And today, in addition to the design & marketing talents of Scott & Lisa, Hughes Aero has also added the manufacturing & training skills of Andrew Merta and the administrative & training expertise of Fredrick Scheffel (co-author of the FAA powered parachuting manual and other insightful training materials). With this core association of talent, Hughes Aero intends to maintain a high standard in the business community, by incorporating old fashion business integrity with modern aviation technologies.
And lastly, perhaps it should be noted that
ALL of our primary shareholders have a strong love for the freedom of flight and for the surrounding communities. They have a record that shows that they are more
than willing to help and support the people and businesses of their local communities. With a history of supporting the Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Department, as well as contributing to community organizations, Hughes Aero has a strong reputation for 'giving back' to the community!
And
the local Hospital and Police Department have free access to all of the company’s services & assets.
| A Brief History | TV Show | Management BIO's |
| Company Goals | Mission Statement | (return to Top of Pg) |
________________________________________________________________
Company GOALS
Hughes Aero is approaching the market place with an 8-phase approach.
-
Introduction of the two-place Predator Powered Parachute.
Status: COMPLETED, and we are currently second in sales, throughout this world-wide industry. -
Establishing a training center for new sport pilots and for advanced flight training.
Status: DONE, we have successfully trained 997 students to victorious solo flight. And we currently have the capability to certify pilots up to Private pilot and CFI ratings. -
Finish our Light Sport Certification.
Status: 98% DONE – we expect FAA sign-off before November 2008. -
Acquire Regional distributorship of fixed wing light sport.
Status: DONE -
Market to the government agencies.
Status: Both the “Predator” PPC and A22 Valor Fixed Wing will be offered November 2008 -
Introduction of a single seat and FAR 103 legal powered parachute.
Status: Expected release by Spring of 2009 -
Introduce a civilian ATV/powered parachute to the market place.
Status: Currently scheduled for late 2010 -
Develop and deploy ATV/Powered Parachute to the Military.
We are creating an operating infrastructure with well recognized distributors and dealers that currently carry other popular competitive brands. As of October 2008, we have built and delivered over 75+
aircraft. Hughes Aero is now transforming its products and services, as well as its fundamental business model to take full advantage of the current market trends. Also, we will be taking full advantage of the newest Internet-based technologies and completing the installation of the only advanced custom computer system
that will handle the FAA aircraft requirements for tracking of parts, and will also allow our clients to access the status of their pilot and aircraft production 'on-line'.
| A Brief History | TV Show | Management BIO's |
| Company Goals | Mission Statement | (return to Top of Pg) |
________________________________________________________________
Hughes Aero on TV
Hughes Aero Corp. is participating in a reality based TV documentary about pilots, forgotten air-fields and powered parachutes. This show has expectations to be 'aired' in 2009.
Click on this graphic of our Movie Poster to Enlarge...
Tune in here for updates as they occur.
| Related topics in this section of the website | ||
| A Brief History | TV Show | Management BIO's |
| Company Goals | Mission Statement | (return to Top of Pg) |
________________________________________________________________
Brief BIO's of Hughes Aero Management
| Scott Hughes President, CFI |
Fredrick Scheffel CEO, CFI, Examiner |
Andrew Merta Manufacturing Mgr, CFI |
Scott Hughes
________________________________________________________________
Fredrick Scheffel
[Author – FAA Pilot Examiner – Event
Organizer – Search & Rescue Associate – Speaker on Survival; Human Psychology & Powered Parachutes]
______________________________
Aviation:
Fredrick
writes for
two national aviation magazines (UltraFlight & EAA’s Sport Pilot); he has
co-authored the FAA’s Handbook on Powered Parachutes and he has produced
multiple manuals and training materials relative to powered parachutes. Most recently, and most notably, the Sport Pilot Training & Reference DVD.
He
also shares his passion for flight as a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) and as
a Sport Pilot/Instructor Examiner. As reflected in his books: “PPC Guide
& Training manual” and the new SP Training manual (on the DVD), Fredrick has a
strong affection for the freedom of flight and has a desire to improve the
obligations that instructors & industry leaders have to the community.
Building
upon a young Christian upbringing, Fredrick
has invested a significant effort to establish himself as a successful aviation
entrepreneur. Fredrick,
along with Dr.
And
in his spare time, he produces and directs one of the largest (and most fun) PPC
events in the world – the Chute FESTIVAL, as well as the far more serious: PPC Championships.
Perhaps
it should also be noted that the local Charities can consistently count on his
aviation companies, Hughes Aero and SkyTrails Ranch, Inc. to aid in their fund raising events.
______________________________
Training:
SkyTrails Ranch, Inc., under the leadership of Fredrick, acquired a reputation in the powered parachute world for the highest quality of Powered Parachute training. Fredrick’s
students have benefited via his experiences flying in the deserts, mountains,
and canyons of the colorful southwestern
He
also gives seminars on Survival; Human Nature and of course, all aspects of
powered parachute flight.
______________________________
Search & Rescue:
When in Utah, the Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Department calls on the volunteered
services of his company and his associates whenever a need arises. He not only flies on SAR missions, but he also trains associates and has
a SAR Tech II rating.
PS. He goes by Fredrick instead of just ‘Fred’ because there are three Fred’s in his immediate family. His GrandDad took 'Fritz', his Dad went by 'Fred', and he was not crazy about being a ‘Freddy’, so Fredrick he became and remands to this day.
________________________________________________________________
Andrew 'Gunny' Merta
| Related topics in this section of the website | ||
| A Brief History | TV Show | Management BIO's |
| Company Goals | Mission Statement | (return to Top of Pg) |
________________________________________________________________
Mission Statement:
Before we get to our mission statement, let us just mention that,
"We have FAITH in GOD, but it is you that we TRUST to fly 'safe and sound'. So we BELIEVE that with the desire to continually improve your flight knowledge & understanding – your flying skills will become competent & proficient through your experiences with our training!"
Our mission statement (simple and straight-forward)...
 |
To be completely open with the client. (This means to not just answer a question with the best information available, but to answer the unasked related questions without having to be asked!) | |||||||||
|
To provide the best PPC training and flight equipment solutions; | |||||||||
|
To treat our employees and associates with the highest respect; | |||||||||
|
To share our good will and profits with the community, in as many humanitarian areas as possible. | |||||||||
|
And finally, to keep our customer's information – PRIVATE – no one will be given your name or information!
| |||||||||
________________________________________________________________