Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Powered Paragliding (PPG) & Paramotoring!
By: Mike Robinson
Submitted: 2008-12-26 20:59:14 | Word Count: 1006
Powered paraglider (PPG) or paramotoring is the smallest simplest powered aircraft in the world and the easiest to learn to fly. Using a paraglider wing ensures safety and inherent stability, while the engine adds autonomy and freedom. Control is very easy; simply pull the right hand brake to turn right, the left to turn left and pull both at five feet above the ground to glide in for a gentle landing.
Answers to all your powered paragliding questions
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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.
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.
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.
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.)
How long can a flight last on one tank of gas?
Up to three hours.
Do I need a license?
No, there is no license required for this sport.
What type of gas do you use?
The same gas you use in your car mixed with 2 stroke oil.
How fast does the paraglider fly?
The speed varies with the type of paraglider used but will be between 17 and 28 miles per hour.
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.
How far can I fly?
The distance varies with the conditions of the day, but over 50 miles is possible.
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).
What do the engines weigh and do I carry the weight?
The engines vary from 33 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.
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.
Can you restart the paramotor in flight?
Yes, the engines come with very high energy ignitions, that make starting very easy with a small tug on the pull starter rope. You can stop the engine and soar and then restart anytime you like.
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.
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.
Where can I fly the powered paraglider?
Anywhere that is not populated with a lot of houses or people. There are also rule regarding flying near airports.
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.
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 12 mph and morning and late afternoon flying. The mid day skies 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.
How maneuverable are they?
This aircraft 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!
How do you transport the powered paraglider?
Most 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.
How long to the time I get to my take off site does it take to launch?
Anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
How do I get started if I want to fly a powered paraglider?
Find an instructor and take the course before you purchase equipment.
How much does the equipment cost both new and used?
The equipment cost new averages $6600.00. Used equipment can be purchased for about 60 of new price.
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.
If interested in this fantastic sport, visit us at http://Paratoys.com or call us at 805 375 5055
Author Resource:-
Bob Armond, Paratoys sole instructor, is ASC, BFI and USPPA rated and trains instructors as well as students. Paratoys is the largest powered paragliding school in the United States. We have a 100% percent success rate with our students. Call us at (805) 375-5055 or visit us at http://ParaToys.com
