PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Training / Qualification; Workload; Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
We were conducting a long cross country for the student's commercial pilot requirements. This required us to deviate west and south of course due to not being cleared into the Class Bravo airspace and Class D airspace. We had a near miss with a powered parachute. The other operator was slightly below us; heading westbound. Our altitude at the time was 3500 feet eastbound; with flight following. Weather conditions were VMC; clear and unrestricted. Both I and the student were actively scanning for traffic outside due to the busy Bravo environment and using ADS-B to aid us. Since he was slightly below us; we did not see him until close; less than 1 mile separation and probably closer. I directed the student to immediately turn left to pass behind; but he started turning slowly; so I took controls to avoid the situation. The powered parachute passed behind; and we continued without further incident. The parachute's color caused it to really blended in until we were close. We were attempting to spot all traffic visually; but did not see them until late. I'm unsure if the parachute operator ever saw us; as we would've been coming out of the sun off his roughly 3 to 4 o'clock. I did not report this to Approach; mainly since we ourselves were getting into a high workload environment since we were close to our destination. Additionally; with the traffic was behind us; I was more concerned with flying the airplane and watching for other traffic; especially since it is a busy general aviation airport. That was probably my biggest self recommendation; is trying to report that if able to approach to warn other aircraft. The only other recommendation for myself is to be a little clearer when I need to assume controls.
An Instructor pilot reported a NMAC with a powered parachute.