Hi I’m Michael.

My feet left the ground and I flew like a bird for the first time in October of 2016 in a way few on the face of the planet have ever done.

I think the paramotor is one of the most amazing flying machines ever invented, a highly capable aircraft you can carry around in your car.

This sport has definitely been a challenge and I’ve learned a lot since that first day and it’s because I enjoy discovering all I can about this paramotoring that this site exists.

This site is just a hobby I work on in my spare time so please excuse all the loose ends hanging around.

A powered paraglider is type of ultralight aircraft.

It is a combination of two main components, a paraglider or “wing” that provides lift and a propulsion unit called a paramotor the pilot wears on his or her back that provides enough thrust for the aircraft to take off and fly.

So basically…

A powered paraglider is a combination of a paraglider wing and a motorized paramotor unit.

 

 

 

Here I am wearing the paramotor like a backpack.

The unit weighs about 75 pounds with fuel but once you inflate the wing and start moving forward the weight is lifted by the paraglider and you run off into the sky to fly like a bird.

 

Paramotor is a generic name for the propulsive portion of a powered paraglider (“PPG”).

It consists of a frame that combines the motor, propeller, harness (with integrated seat) and cage. It provides two attachment points for the risers of a paraglider wing that allows for powered flight.

The term was first used by Englishman Mike Byrne in 1980^[1] and popularized in France around 1986 when La Mouette began adapting power to the then-new paraglider wings.

Pilots who fly these engage in paramotoring, also known as powered paragliding.

The engines used are almost exclusively small two-stroke internal combustion types, between 80cc and 350cc, that burn mixed gasoline and oil. These engines are favored for their high output power and light weight and use approximately 3.7 litres (1 US Gal.) of fuel per hour depending on paraglider efficiency, weight of motor plus pilot and conditions. At least one manufacturer is producing a 4-stroke model. Electrically powered units are on the horizon. Csaba Lemak created the first electric PPG, flying it first on June 13, 2006.^[2][3] Flight duration for electrics is considerably shorter. Wankel rotary engined paramotors are also available, but rare.

The pilot controls thrust via a hand-held throttle and steers using the paraglider’s brake toggles similar to sport parachutists. Paramotor wings have evolved specifically for use with power, as compared with free flight ‘paraglider’ wings. Such wings are typically designed for a higher speed, and may incorporate a “reflex” profile to aid stability in pitch, an idea taken from hang gliders of the 1980s. The Parabatix Sky Racers is an air racing event using paramotors to race round pylons in front of spectators.^[4] – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No.

One of the attractive aspects of a PPG is that the sport has little regulation. The rules that apply to this sport are found HERE.

1. You don’t need a license
2. Age is not a factor, kids as young as 10 fly paramotors as well as seniors
3. You don’t need to register or license the machine or buy insurance for it
4. While PPG associations do exist, there is no requirement that you join one
5. You aren’t even required to have training

You could order your flying machine online, have it delivered, strap it on your back and attempt to fly it and as long as you didn’t violate airspace rules would be perfectly legal if you did manage to get it off the ground.

Amazingly people do do this and these are the ones that usually end up hurting or killing themselves.

There is great freedom in our sport and the fact that we are pretty much allowed self governance in a world increasingly tangled with rules, regulations and red tape, is a beautiful thing.

As always there are people who abuse the freedoms that result in making the whole community look bad.

Don’t be one of THOSE people.

If you are going to drop 10K on a flying machine, it’s just good sense to invest a little more on proper training so you don’t hurt yourself or someone else.

If you want to get connected…

 

 

 

More links from USPPA…

Preamble to FAR Part 103 – Insight into the FAA’s reasoning for regulating ultralights

FAR Part 103 – The rules that govern ultralights in the United States

FAA Advisory Circular 103-7 – Provides guidance to ultralight operators in the United States

Applicable FAR Part 91 Regulations – Other regulations applicable to ultralights

Sport Pilots – Do powered paragliders fall under sport pilot? What about the tandem exemption? Here are some answers to these questions along with interpretation of rules that are being defined.

The law that governs our sport can be found here.

This is a light-wind sport. Generally a maximum wind of 12 mph is acceptable although, under certain conditions, experienced pilots can fly in stronger winds. We generally fly in the mornings and evenings so as to avoid the bumpy mid-day air. A few pilots seek out those mid-day conditions at the expense of some added risk.

This question answered by Jeff Goin at the FootFlyer

For more on weather go to the PPG weather station page.

Realistically expect to invest $10,000 to $12,000 in this sport for training and all of your gear.

Quality Training is very important.

While this sport is not difficult to get into, it is aviation and should be taken seriously.

The USPPA has a list of certified trainers…

 

 

 

 

If you live in the South Florida area I recommend Jose at Aerolight…

Another amazing thing about paramotors is that you can fly literally just feet off the ground or as high as an airplane.

Watch this video for a more thorough answer…