Powered parachute caravan to debut at Halls airport for national quest

A powered parachutist readies to propel himself into the sky.

The Halls airport is slated to host a group of several powered parachute enthusiasts on Monday, April 28 though Wednesday, April 30.

Twelve machines are expected, said airport manager Ralph "Neil" Doolin, though more could be seen when the group arrives at the historic air base.

The group spends two to three weeks of every year traveling to different regions of the U.S. to show their aerial prowess and on occasion, for a donation, allow others to ride on one of the unique aircrafts.

The ultimate goal for these sportsmen is to eventually fly in every state.

This group, originating in Kansas, will be flying in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana this year. The caravan hopes to fly in the morning and late afternoon hours, said Doolin.

The caravan will be staying in recreational vehicles staged near the Veterans Museum at the former Halls Army Air Base.

All of the pilots flying these powered parachutes hold Federal Aviation Administration Sport Pilot Certificates.

For information contact Doolin at rdoolin@town.halls.tn.us or Gene Landeros at 901-5738, or by e-mail at geneland@covingtones.