 Powered
Paragliders are the smallest, simplest powered
aircraft in the world, and the easiest
to learn to fly. Using a "parachute" as a wing
ensures safety and inherent stability, while the engine
adds autonomy and freedom. Control is very easy; simply
pull the right handle to turn right, and the left to turn
left. Pull both lines at five feet above the ground to glide
in for a gentle landing.
Legislation: In the USA, no license is required,
but there are airspace regulations in the FAA (part 103)
that apply to our type of flying. Only flying tandem (two
people on one unit) requires a special exception/license.
Frequently
asked questions:
ANSWERS
How does the paraglider inflate?
There are two methods to inflate the wing:
Forward - with the wing behind you in low wind conditions,
you run and pull the wing up using your speed to inflate.
Reverse - with pilot facing the wing we use light winds
to inflate and pull up the paraglider.
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How do you steer the powered paraglider?
Control is very easy. Simply pull the right handle to turn
right, the left handle to turn left and pull both at five
feet above the ground to stop with a gentle landing. Squeeze
the throttle to climb and release it to glide back down.
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 How
high can the powered paraglider fly?
The world record for the powered paraglider is 18,000 feet.
The majority of flying is between 150 and 300 feet above
the ground.
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How
low can the powered paraglider fly?
The unique aspect of the powered paraglider is the fact
the wing is some distance above the pilot. This allows flight
at ground level from 10 inches up. (This cannot be done
safely with any other aircraft in the world.)
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How long can a flight last on one tank of gas?
Up to three hours.
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Do I need a license?
No, there is no license required for this sport.
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How fast does the paraglider fly?
The speed varies with the type of paralgider used but will
be between 17 and 28 miles per hour.
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How
far do you have to run to get airborne?
In light wind conditions (0 to 4 mph), you have to run 5
to 15 feet. With stronger winds (5 to 10 mph) you have to
run 1 to 5 feet.
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How far can I fly?
The distance varies with the conditions of the day, but
up to 40 miles is possible.
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What happens if the engine stops?
The engine is only used to go up. At any time you can shut
off the motor and land safely because you are flying with
an open parachute that can glide up to 8 feet forward with
only one foot down (8 to 1 glide ratio).
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 What
do the engines weigh and do I carry the weight?
The engines vary from 45 lbs to 65 lbs. The weight is carried
by the pilot only until the wing is inflated and then the
weight is burdened by the paraglider.
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Is it possible to take a friend up with me?
No, have your friend get his own powered paraglider.
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How long does it take to learn to fly a powered paraglider?
Most students can solo in a few days. The majority of training
is done on the ground learning to control the wing. The
actual flying is so easy that any person can control the
powered paraglider once in flight.
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Can you restart the paramotor in flight?
Yes, these new engines (Black Devil 172, MZ100, MZ313) come
with very high energy ignitions, that make starting very
easy with a small tug on the pulll starter rope. You can
stop the engine and soar and then restart anytime you like.
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How safe are these paraglider wings?
The modern paraglider is built and tested with loads up
to 15 times greater than can be exerted during flight. The
type of paraglider used with an engine is a DHV 1 one or
standard rated glider that will continue to fly without
pilot input.
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Does equipment type differ for different size pilots?
Yes, the weight ratings of the wing and the engine thrust
are very important to the size and weight of the pilot.
Think about this before buying used equipment. Talk to your
instructor before making equipment decisions.
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Where can I fly the powered paraglider?
Anywhere that is not populated with a lot of houses or people.
They are also prohibited within 5 miles from an airport.
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Is the powered paraglider safe?
As all air sports, it has it's risky aspect, but as the
pilot hangs from an open parachute, this makes it inherently
safer than all other airplanes.
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Are there times and conditions when I cannot fly?
Yes, the fact that you are flying a very light airplane
means that you are limited to light wind conditions up to
10 mph and morning and late afternoon flying. The mid-day
skys are generally too rough to enjoy this type of flying.
The exception to this is beach flying where you can fly
all day long as the air is not disturbed by the ocean as
much as it is by land.
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How maneuverable are they?
This airplane can fly sideways, backwards, turn on it's
own axis and fly close to the ground endlessly. You can
take off in 1 foot and land on 1 foot in certain wind conditions.
There is no other aircraft in the world that can do this!
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 How
do you transport the powered paraglider?
Most ppg's break down in very small packages and can fit
in the average car trunk. This break down takes 5 minutes
and can be reassembled in 5 minutes.
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How
long to the time I get to my take off site does it take
to launch?
Anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
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It
is vital that you have the right combination of Paramotor
and glider tailored to suit your body weight. Safety is
paramount and training is imperative. Always ensure when
buying a Paramotor that you will receive professional training
with qualified instructors. |
