The powered parachute as an archaeological aerial reconnaissance vehicle

The need for a cost-effective method of aerial archaeology that could combine the ability to acquire large-scale, low-altitude photographs of archaeological sites with the capacity for surveying large geographical areas led to an evaluation of the powered parachute (PPC), a type of ultralight aircraft, as an archaeological aerial reconnaissance vehicle. The suitable performance of the aircraft during flight was the first consideration, and an assessment of drift, in-flight stability and altitude stability of the PPC proved satisfactory. Next, characteristics required of an aerial camera platform, such as slow speed, low vibration, the ability to capture images at low altitudes, portability, low cost, safety and others were considered. The PPC easily fulfilled each of the requirements. Limitations on the use of the PPC include obscuring vegetation, inclement weather and government regulations. Despite the limitations, the PPC serves as an invaluable addition to the choice of options available for aerial archaeologists. The PPC has experienced success in acquiring digital still images, digital video and thermal images at sites in Louisiana, Mississippi and North Dakota, and these promising results have led to an increased interest in this approach from archaeologists, land managers and others working in the USA and in Europe. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.