Hi All
I would like to take the opportunity to explain briefly about the flying objects you may have seen.
First I would like to correct C Duff on his explanation of the so called pilots.
We are a very responsible group of people, who have been trained and are certified FAA pilots. We take safety very seriously. In the past you may have encountered some cowboys, but I would doubt very much if that is the case anymore.
OK, these aircraft are called powered parachutes, made by a few different companies. If the are single seat and with a weight of 254 pounds or less they do not need to be registered, and if you are not smart enough to get trained by an instructor then you WILL run into problems.
The other models are 2 seat which need to be registered like any other aircraft by the FAA along with a safety inspection.
Here is a link to our local club, take a look around and feel free to come and check out one of our fly In's.
I hope this helps with some of your questions, if there is anything else I can help you with please ask.
http://www.nhskyriders.com/