Powered   Paragliding / Paramotoring

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Top 10, Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Concerning Powered Paragliding ( PPG )

1. What is powered paragliding (PPG)?
2. How high can I fly with a powered paraglider (PPG)?
3. How far can I fly with a powered paraglider?
4. How fast can I fly with a powered paraglider?
5. How safe is flying a powered paraglider?
6. What happens if the motor quits?
7. How is a powered paraglider controlled?
8. Where can I fly a powered paraglider?
9. How much does a powered paraglider cost?
10. How do I learn to fly a powered paraglider?

3. How far can I fly with a powered paraglider?

      The short answer.

      Approximately 80 statute miles with some “reserve” fuel remaining.

 

      The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

Powered Paragliders are used primarily for recreational purposes and are not generally utilized as a vehicle for transportation to get from one location to another. Most PPG flights originate and conclude at the same location. Range (how far you can fly) is a function of speed and time. Most paraglider wings used for PPG fly at a normal top speed of about 26 miles per hour through the air. If the air in which the PPG is flying is moving (wind), the speed of the PPG across the ground is affected by the wind. Flying into a wind (headwind) decreases the speed of the PPG across the ground; flying with the wind (tailwind) increases the speed of the PPG across the ground. The amount of time that a PPG can fly is dependent upon the fuel consumption rate of the engine (paramotor) and the amount of fuel available for the paramotor to consume. By Federal Regulation, powered paragliders (PPGs) are limited to a maximum of 5 U.S. gallons of fuel capacity. However, most PPGs are fitted with a fuel tank of no more than 4 gallons capacity. Most paramotors consume approximately one gallon of fuel each hour. So theoretically it would be possible to fly for four hours of powered flight at 26 mph, in still air, and cover a distance of 104 miles. Under the right conditions, the paramotor can be turned off in flight and altitude can be maintained by gliding (soaring) within rising air. The engine can be restarted in flight to resume powered flight when desired. Such intermittent use of the paramotor engine would obviously reduce the fuel consumption and could be used to extend the normal continuously powered range. Paraglider pilots, without the use of a paramotor have flown distances in excess of 200 miles by utilizing rising air currents to stay aloft. The PPG World Distance Record Distance in a straight line without landing : 951 Km (590 miles) was set on 08/06/2006 by Ramon Morillas Salmeron flying from Aldea la Bella, Lepe (Spain) to Roquefort (France) with an Advance Epsilon 5 paraglider and a PAP 1400 Ross power unit. Again, typically when attempts are made to set new PPG altitude or distance records the operation requires more fuel capacity than that which the U.S. regulations, without an exemption, allow PPGs to have. Typically PPG pilots accomplish flights that last for an average of about one hour and culminate with a landing at the point of takeoff after covering about 25 miles of ground track. 

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4. How fast can I fly with a powered paraglider?

The short answer.

Approximately 26 miles per hour through the air.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

Most paragliders utilized in powered paragliding have a normal, un-accelerated, "trim speed" of approximately 26 miles per hour. "Trim speed" is the speed that a powered paraglider will fly through the air without the input of any controls that affect the shape of the wing. There are acceleration systems that can be utilized by the PPG pilot, in flight, that actually change the shape of the paraglider wing, causing it to fly at a faster than the normal speed. With the application of such acceleration systems some paraglider wings can attain speeds of approximately 40 miles per hour in still air. By Federal Regulation a PPG must not be capable of attaining a speed in excess of approximately 63 miles per hour in level flight, in still air.

Unlike most motor vehicles, in the operation of a PPG, the increase or decrease of power supplied by the motor does not significantly affect the speed. The altitude, not the speed, of a PPG is controlled with changes in power settings. When the power of a paramotor is increased, the PPG will descend more slowly, climb, or climb more rapidly, dependent upon how much the power is increased. Conversely, when the power of a paramotor is decreased, the PPG will climb less rapidly, descend, or descend more rapidly dependent upon how much the power is decreased. If the air in which the PPG is flying is moving (wind), the speed of the PPG across the ground is affected by the wind. Flying into a wind decreases the speed of the PPG across the ground; flying with the wind increases the speed of the PPG across the ground. Generally PPG pilots do not fly in wind conditions that exceed 15 miles per hour. Theoretically a PPG flying with a 15 miles per hour tailwind, and simultaneously utilizing an acceleration system, could attain a speed across the ground of approximately 55 miles per hour. At the other end of the speed range, for landings, powered paragliders can be slowed down with the application of the controls to a speed of just a few miles an hour, the speed of a brisk walk.

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5. How safe is flying a powered paraglider?

The short answer.

The equipment recommended by Powered ParaSports for powered paragliding is very safe. The activity of powered paragliding is relatively safe compared to most other “action” sports. The judgment of the pilot, based on his/her knowledge and training is the biggest factor in determining how safe his/her powered paragliding activity is.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports’ answer.

Powered paragliders are very safe recreational vehicles. A warning is appropriate however…. Caution: powered paragliding may be addictive. Unlike many recreational vehicles, paraglider wings are certified by several very stringent European rating and certification agencies for their safety and flying characteristics. (DHV [Deutscher Hangegleiter Verband] is a combined German and Swiss certification agency that has its roots in the German Hanggliding Association and the Swiss Hanggliding Federation (SHV); AFNOR, formerly known as ACPULS, is a French certification agency, and DULV is the German Ultralight Association)  One criterion that is considered in the certification process is how well the paraglider will fly without any input from the pilot. Most of the paragliders utilized by PPG pilots are rated AFNOR-Standard or DHV 1 & 1-2 and will maintain stable flight even without any significant input from the pilot. The materials that are utilized in the construction of paragliders are capable of withstanding several times the maximum force that they will ever be subjected to in normal use. The engines that are utilized in paramotors are very reliable. The kinetic energy of an object is a function of the mass of the moving object and the velocity at which the object is moving. The most significant factor in the equation is the velocity at which the object is moving. The kinetic energy is a function of the mass times the square of the velocity. The low energy involved with  powered paraglider makes powered paragliding inherently safer than most other forms of recreational aviation. Not only are powered paragliders lighter than any other motorized, manned flying machine, they fly at a speed that is lower than the speed that any other motorized, fixed wing, manned flying machine is capable of flying. The normal top speed of a powered paraglider is one-third the speed at which people routinely travel in an automobile, a motorcycle, a bicycle, an ATV, a snowmobile, or a quad. The kinetic energy associated with the speed of a powered paraglider compared to the kinetic energy associated with the speed of the other vehicles that we routinely travel in is over seven times less in a powered paraglider.

The degree to which flying a powered paraglider is a safe activity is very dependent upon the attitude of the pilot. There is a saying that is well known among pilots: “There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.” As with any moving vehicle the operator should utilize appropriate safety equipment. The use of a helmet, goggles or glasses, and ear protection are appropriate safety equipment associated with PPG. There are very few serious powered paragliding mishaps. The few mishaps that occasionally occur are usually the result of exhibitionism, and/or poor judgment, and/or inadequate instruction. There are risks associated with virtually any activity. Powered Paragliding is no different. Wilbur Wright wrote to his father, “In flying … carelessness and overconfidence are usually far more dangerous than deliberately accepted risks.” Being familiar with the associated risks and how to manage them is of the utmost importance. The comprehensive instruction from a qualified, certified, professional flight instructor that you will get at Powered ParaSports is crucial to learning how to safely manage the risks associated with PPG. To enjoy powered paragliding safely, the PPG pilot should have a working understanding of the equipment, the weather, aerodynamics, regulations, and non-normal situations. Powered ParaSports is firmly committed to maintaining safety as it’s uncompromised very first priority, always.

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6. What happens if the motor quits running?

The short answer.

Most normal powered paraglider landings are accomplished with the engine intentionally turned off. If the motor unexpectedly quits running, the pilot flies the paraglider normally, and glides for a routine landing.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

As mentioned above, paragliders have been flown for over 30 years without motors and are capable of staying aloft within rising air long enough to fly for several hundred miles. Typically, in still air, without the use of a motor, a paraglider is capable of a glide ratio of about eight to one; that is gliding, without a motor approximately eight feet forward for each one foot of altitude reduction. With the added drag of the paramotor, from 1000 feet of altitude above the ground a PPG can glide, without the motor running and without the help of rising air, for approximately 5,500 feet; that is over a mile. Clearly a powered paraglider will not "fall out of the sky" if the motor is intentionally turned off or quits. A powered paraglider is fully controllable even with the engine turned off. A normal landing with a PPG involves intentionally turning the paramotor off at about 50 to 75 feet above the ground and gliding to a landing from that altitude. This is done to preclude any complications with a turning propeller if the pilot might happen to stumble upon touchdown. It is important that a PPG pilot be cognizant of the fact that, as with any mechanical device, mechanical problems are a possibility; and therefore, a safe landing area should be kept in mind, and within gliding distance, at all times. Regulations do not allow powered paragliders to operate over "congested areas" and therefore it is not difficult to keep a small "open area" needed to land a PPG within gliding distance at all times.

 

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7. How is a powered paraglider controlled?

The short answer.

Powered paragliders are turned by pulling down on the appropriate left or right control line that leads from the vicinity of the pilot's respective shoulder to the trailing edge of the paraglider on the respective side of the wing for the desired direction of turn. Climbs are accomplished by increasing the power output of the paramotor through the use of a hand held throttle. Descents are accomplished by reducing the power output of the paramotor through the use of the hand held throttle.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

Flying a powered paraglider gives a tangible meaning to the expression "free as a bird." A powered paraglider offers movement in a combination of six directions of motion, and rotation around three axis, all of which are easily controlled by the pilot through the use of a throttle and two control handles. Unlike most motor vehicles increasing or decreasing the power output of the motor does not significantly affect the speed of the PPG through the air. To climb a PPG pilot increases power by squeezing the throttle. To descend a PPG pilot reduces power by relaxing pressure on the throttle. To turn left the pilot applies pressure to the left control handle and to turn right the pilot applies pressure to the right control handle. To reduce speed for landing, after gliding to within a few feet of the ground with the paramotor turned off, the PPG pilot applies pressure to both the left and the right control handles simultaneously. A powered paraglider exhibits outstanding natural stability in flight from its pendulum design. In flight if a gust of wind displaces the paraglider wing from a position directly above the pilot, the pendulum action of the powered paraglider design will act to return the pilot to a position beneath the wing from which he/she is suspended. Controlling a powered paraglider not only involves the application of controls to climb, descend, turn, and slow for landing, it also involves the application of controls to augment, and sometimes dampen, the inherent stability of the vehicle. You will learn about "active flying" and the theories behind the appropriate control inputs to enhance the safety of your flights in a comprehensive course of instruction.

On the ground the wonderful characteristic of natural stability that the pendulum effect provides an airborne powered paraglider is lost. On the ground the weight of the pilot and paramotor are not freely suspended from the paraglider and so the tendency for the pilot and paramotor to swing to a position directly under the center of the paraglider wing is lost. Controlling a paraglider wing on the ground is much more difficult than controlling it in the air because of the loss on the ground of the inherent stability provided by the pendulum effect. On the ground if the wing is laterally displaced from above the pilot, the pilot must actively take a part in regaining the desired position beneath the center of the wing. The pilot will not gently swing to that position as he/she will naturally, while flying. If the wing is to the pilot's left, the pilot must actively move to the left to get beneath the wing. The pilot can coordinate this maneuver by applying an appropriate control input to the wing to have the wing simultaneously turn back to the right toward a position above the pilot.

Flying the wing while you are on the ground before takeoff and following landing is called "ground handling" or "kiting." Ground handling is initially a complex task and involves some actions that are counter-intuitive. A solid foundation of ground handling skills is extremely important as the takeoff and landing (ground maneuvers) are the most critical portions of most flights. Your professional instructor at Powered ParaSports will insure that your practical ground handling training is preceded by a full understanding of the mechanical and aerodynamic principals involved in ground handling so that you do not simply attempt to man-handle the equipment. Technique is far more important than strength. With a good academic background you are less likely to become sensory overloaded and resort to attempting to use brute strength, as you get physically involved with controlling the powered paraglider. Plenty of practice ground handling before your first flights is important, as it will help make the necessary non-intuitive actions instinctive. Initially, as with any sport, everything happens fast and it is easy to become sensory overloaded to the point that you lose your ability to think. With ample practice you will be able to act on a basis of good habits without giving it much thought.

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8. Where can I fly a powered paraglider?

The short answer.

From and to any relatively flat surface that is reasonably free of obstructions such as power lines, trees, and fences as long as the flight is not conducted over congested areas or within certain controlled airspace without prior permission.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

One of the many things that make powered paragliders so appealing is that they are extremely portable on the ground and extremely maneuverable in the air. A PPG can easily be transported with an automobile, SUV, or RV. A PPG can be operated from any relatively flat surface that is free of obstructions such as trees, power lines, or fences. Bringing your PPG along with you on a RV "road trip" and flying over areas that you would like a better view of is certainly possible. An airport is not required for takeoffs or landings. The amount of space that it takes to turn any vehicle around is dependent to some degree on speed. The slow speed that PPGs fly at makes them highly maneuverable and an outstanding platform for sight seeing. A PPG can fly within the confines of an area that no other non-rotary winged, manned aircraft could.

As with conventional aircraft there are some restrictions as to where you can fly. PPGs are restricted from flying within clouds and must maintain specific cloud clearance separation and in-flight forward visibility. While conventional aircraft are restricted from flying at less than 500 feet from people, structures, and vessels (except during takeoff and landing) PPGs are not constrained by that restriction. However, PPGs are restricted from flying over "congested areas" or over any open-air assembly of persons. PPGs and conventional aircraft are restricted from taking off or landing in charted National Park Service Areas, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Areas, and U.S. Forest Service Areas without authorization from the respective agency. Furthermore, like conventional aircraft, PPGs are requested to maintain a minimum of 2000 foot AGL altitude above the surface of charted National Parks, Monuments, Seashores, Recreation Areas, Scenic Riverways, Wilderness Areas, Wildlife Refuges, Wildlife/Game Ranges, and areas administered by the National Park Service. PPGs are restricted from operations in certain airspace without prior authorization from the Air Traffic Control facility or controlling agency having jurisdiction over that airspace. Likewise a PPG pilot must be aware that there may be temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of disaster/hazard areas, in the proximity of the Presidential and other parties, in the proximity of space flight operations, or in the vicinity of aerial demonstrations and major sporting events. Local state, county, and city governments may have restrictions on taking off or landing on certain public lands. All of those constraints may seem complicated and overly limiting to your freedom but in practice they are not and your instruction at Powered ParaSports will make them all understandable and clear. Common sense dictates that a PPG should not fly over water at an altitude below which a power off glide to dry land is possible. Typically PPG pilots fly to and from private land with the permission from the landowner.

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9. How much does a powered paraglider cost?

The short answer.

For new "top of the line" PPG equipment (paramotor and paraglider, without additional accessories) and a comprehensive PPG instructional course from an experienced and fully certified instructor at Powered ParaSports, you should anticipate paying approximately $8900.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

Powered Paragliding is the least expensive form of motorized aviation. Imagine having a personal, portable flying machine, with flight training, for less than $10,000. Not only is the initial purchase price of a PPG and PPG flight training less expensive than other ultralights and conventional aircraft, but due to the compactness and portability of a PPG there is no need to rent a hanger for storage. A paramotor and paraglider wing can easily be stored in a garage. Because the paramotor burns automobile gasoline mixed with two cycle motor oil there is no need to purchase expensive aviation grade fuel. Due to the low fuel consumption rate of a paramotor, the fuel cost involved with PPG is only about the price of one gallon of automobile gasoline per hour of flight. Powered paragliders do not have to be registered or licensed and thus there are no fees incurred associated with such actions.

Most paramotors and paragliders are manufactured by companies that are based in Europe. Over the last year there has been a significant decline in the value of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro by a factor of about thirty percent. As a result the price of a PPG in U.S. dollars has risen by approximately thirty percent. As of the Fall of 2006, for new top of the line PPG equipment (paramotor and paraglider, without additional accessories) and a comprehensive PPG instructional course from an experienced and fully certified instructor at Powered ParaSports, you should anticipate paying approximately $8900. Less expensive new equipment can be purchased but it is unlikely that it will perform as well, or last as long, as top quality equipment. Used equipment is also available and can be purchased at some cost savings, however; there are risks associated with used equipment in that there are no warranties and you may not get exactly what you are looking for, or get what you want as soon as you want it, especially if what you are looking for is popular among other PPG pilots.

Training quality is equally as important as equipment quality. Excellent instruction is very important, as it will save you money in the long run. It only takes one or two takeoffs where poor technique leads to a broken propeller before whatever you "saved" by not choosing a thorough instructor is consumed in propeller replacement costs. Choosing an instructor who possesses the patience, experience, equipment, qualifications and instructional materials to provide you with comprehensive instruction allows you to enjoy flying with complete confidence that you will not be surprised by something that should have been covered in your instruction, but was not. Excellent instruction enhances your ability to get the most enjoyment possible out of PPG recreational flying. Why place yourself in a position where you are wondering if there are things that you should know that you might not have ever been exposed to? There is an anonymous quote that anyone that has been around aviation for any length of time is familiar with, in part, because it is so true...... "Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect." Don't neglect good training. Don't take the chance that you can get by without comprehensive instruction. Don't fall a victim to a cursory "ground handle and go" "training curriculum" which, unfortunately, is very prevalent.  Choose your instructor with the same care that you use in choosing your equipment. There will always be innovations in the evolution of PPG equipment that will eventually make your current equipment "dated", however; the benefits of excellent initial PPG instruction will endure throughout the entire time that you continue to fly, and beyond. The few extra dollars spent for a comprehensive instruction course that will serve as a solid foundation for you over a lifetime of flying experiences, are dollars well spent.

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10. How do I learn to fly a powered paraglider?

The short answer.

Choose a certified and fully qualified PPG instructor who you can place your confidence in. Then utilize the expertise of that instructor to help you select and purchase the powered paragliding equipment that is appropriate for you and your intended use of the equipment. Complete a course of training that will not only teach you the physical motor skills and techniques involved in flying a PPG but also give you the knowledge background that is needed to exercise good judgment and insure the safety of your flying experiences.

 

The comprehensive Powered ParaSports' answer.

Typically one's interest in PPG is initiated by an instance of observing PPG pilots enjoying a flight. The obvious freedom that PPG flying offers is alluring. Good pilots can make takeoffs, cruising, and landings look simple. Due to the inherent stability of a PPG and due to a PPG's relatively slow speed of flight compared to other ultralights or conventional aircraft, with the proper instruction and practice, flying a PPG is relatively simple. Initially, as with any sport that utilizes specialized equipment, beginners have some tendencies to fight the equipment rather than have the equipment work for them. There are some counter-intuitive physical reactions that must be learned and developed to utilize the PPG equipment properly. Not readily obvious to an observer of PPG flights is the comprehensive knowledge of the equipment, the weather, aerodynamics, regulations, and non-normal situations that every PPG pilot should possess. Also, not readily apparent to an observer that is unfamiliar with PPG, is the judgment that a pilot must use in making the decisions involved in flying a PPG. Instruction from a competent, qualified, certified, experienced, instructor at Powered ParaSports can help you learn the subject matter and physical skills that you need to have to allow you to make flying a PPG look easy.

Due to the weight of the paramotor and the ability of the paraglider to produce enough force to lift both the pilot and the paramotor into the air, the participant should be in average or better than average physical condition. However, regardless of one's strength, utilization of proper technique to control the equipment yields far better results than attempting to overpower it. No physical examination is required to fly a PPG as is required to fly conventional aircraft. However, common sense dictates, that as when operating any vehicle, you should have good vision, or good corrected vision. There is a "catch all" in the regulations that pertain to PPG that states: "No person may operate any ultralight vehicle in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons or property." Interestingly the average age that competition PPG pilots begin flying PPGs is approximately 29 and for non-competition PPG pilots nearly 75% began flying PPGs after the age of 35. There are several young PPG pilots in their 70s. PPG pilots come from all walks of life; their common ground is the love of the freedom and sensations that flying through the air offers.

The chronological course of actions that Powered ParaSports utilizes to help you transition from an "interested observer" into a safe recreational PPG pilot involves the following steps: 1) selection of Powered ParaSports to provide you professional certified instruction utilizing a training syllabus that will insure that you will attain a working knowledge of all of the subject matter that you should be aware of to engage in PPG safely, 2) conditions permitting, an introductory tandem flight lesson that gives a better idea of what getting into PPG as a recreational activity will allow you to routinely experience, 3) utilization of your instructor's input to choose equipment that is suited to your size, budget, and the type of flying that you plan to routinely do, 4) purchase a paraglider, 5) begin ground handling instruction with the paraglider and simultaneously begin "classroom" ground school instruction, 6) initiate flight training (free-flight or winch towed paragliding) without a paramotor, 7) purchase a paramotor (if not already purchased), 8) continue ground handling instruction with the paraglider and at this point with the addition of the paramotor; initiate simulated flight maneuvers instruction, 9) complete the "classroom" ground school instruction to insure that you have all of the required basic knowledge for powered solo PPG flight, 10) Begin supervised instructional solo PPG flights with direct radio communication with the instructor, 11) Continue with "conditionally approved", loosely supervised solo PPG flights during which specific flight maneuvers are practiced and emphasis is placed on developing good piloting judgment, 12) graduate from the formal initial PPG training course and begin continuing education/follow-on instruction and enjoyment of a lifetime of flying a PPG.

A comprehensive, formal, initial, PPG training course will require ten to twelve training sessions with a qualified instructor. If an instructor suggests to you that you can get all of the training that you should have in less than ten training sessions, don't expect to complete your training knowing everything that you should know as you will likely only be getting "ground handle and go", or "initial solo" training. Generally such training is provided by "instructors" that, although authorized to act as instructors, are not sufficiently academically knowledgeable to be qualified instructors. Understand that an "instructor" cannot teach material that he himself is not intimately familiar with.  Depending upon weather and the rate at which the PPG pilot trainee is able to absorb instruction, a month of time to complete ten instructional sessions would not be unusual. Be leery of three to five day "training courses." In three to five days you might get in a first flight but there is realistically no way that anyone can present, or absorb, the volume of information that you should have to fly a powered paraglider safely in that period of time. Although there are federal regulations, and state and city laws involving the operations of PPGs, which a PPG pilot should be familiar with, and abide by, there is no license required to fly a PPG solo in the United States. Some "instructors" use this "loop hole" to skimp on instruction. Tandem flights are permitted, for instructional purposes only, under an exemption of the regulations that requires one of the pilots to be an instructor.

 

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Last modified: 05/30/2010