B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 441; Flight Crew Type 8500
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Airspace Structure
[We] departed 25R at LAS on the SHEAD 7 Departure. While climbing through 10;000 FT past TAARK; we saw three powered parachutes at our altitude and directly in front of us. I disconnected the autopilot and increased our climb rate to avoid hitting them. One of the vehicles was missed by approximately 200-300 FT just under the nose. The other two passed under the left wing at about 500 FT. ATC was notified. No altitude or navigation deviations occurred.This is the first time I have seen this type of aircraft in this area. Some type of FAA circular should be sent to the owners of those types of aircraft in the area warning them of the danger of a 150-knot airplane running over them in the departure corridor.
While flying the SHEAD SID from LAS; a B737-700 flight crew took evasive action at approximately 10;000 MSL to avoid a flight of three powered parachutes.