Paramotor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pilot Stephan Obenauer, by Jeff Goin
A paramotor is the generic name given to the propulsive portion of a powered paraglider. It contains the motor, propeller, harness (with integrated seat), cage and all accessories that is attached to a paraglider wing for powered flight. Usually lightweight two-stroke engine. The term originated in France in 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.
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[edit] Licensing
In many countries, for instance the USA and UK, no license is required to fly a paramotor. In theory you can walk right out of the store and start flying. In reality however there are some air laws that have to be obeyed, and you are STRONGLY advised to seek proper training before attempting to fly.
[edit] Learning to fly
Many paramotor training schools have sprung up around the world and most will offer a 'taster' tandem flight (a more powerful paramotor with a two-person harness). A moderatly fit person with no previous experience can expect to make their first flight safely after three to five days of tuition, and be sufficiently competent to fly without further supervision after five to eight days. These figures are quie variable and depend to a great extent on the flying school's syllabus and the trainee's aptitude.
[edit] Differences between paramotoring and paragliding
Although the wing (also known as a canopy) looks similar to that used in free flight (paragliding) there has been a tendency in recent years to develop wings specifically for paramotoring because of the different performance requirements. In general terms, free flight wings need to be very lightweight and responsive so that the pilot can carry it up a hill and, once airborne, feel the air in search of thermals for lift. Paramotor wings, on the other hand, generally need to be larger (because of the additional weight of the motor) and more stable in flight. An additional consideration is the fact that the motor applies thrust a long way below the wing, which causes a change in the angle of attack, and this can lead to dangerous instabilities or stalling of wings not intended for use under power. Most paramotoring wings can be used for free flight, although they are not as responsive as paragliding wings.
Flying a parmotor differs from a paraglider in that the pilot requires much less control input on a paramotor. Paragliding flights require very active control - the pilot is forever turning, chasing thermals for lift - while the paramotorist's hands are usually off the controls, just keeping the throttle open for steady flight.
[edit] Equipment
As a minimum you will require a suitable wing and a motor unit. Although there are secondhand units available via the internet, for instance on auction sites, it is recommended that beginners only buy from reputable sources such as dealers or via a flight school. You will spend a little more money but it's no comfort to know you saved a hundred dollars when something goes wrong a thousand feet abouve the ground.
Wings need to be chosen to suit the pilot's weight. Most wings are available in a range of sizes to suit from the smallest adult up to people of 250lb or more.
The heavier the pilot, the more thrust is required form the motor to get you off the ground and to achieve an acceptable rate of climb. Naturally, lower power units are smaller and lighter. The largest motors are tandem units, wigh enough power to easily lift two adults.
Depending on the power, the motor and harness will weigh from about 40lb to 70lb. This is not as daunting as it sounds because you only carry the weight very briefly on takeoff and landing. In flight you sit in the harness attached to the motor, so the weight of the power unit is irrelevant.
Many pilots choose to carry an additional 'reserve' parachute in case of difficulty with the main canopy. Occasionally a canopy will stall, 'tuck' or otherwise deflate in flight (sometimes caused by pilot error), resulting in a loss of lift. Such events can often be recovered in flight by careful manipulation of the control lines but if all else fails then 'throwing' the reserve 'chute may be the only option.
[edit] A sport still in its infancy
Paramotoring is generally regarded as an extreme sport. It is relatively new and still evolving and whilst it is an immensely rewarding pastime it has the potential to be dangerous, especially if proper training is not observed.
[edit] External links
Pictures of paramotor in Miri, Borneo Some pictures
Where to find UK paramotorists: http://www.PilotsPPGclubUK.co.uk or http://www.paramotorsuk.co.uk
Where to get more information for beginners to this sport: http://www.usppa.org | http://www.yorkppg.co.uk
A typical paramotor flying school: http://www.paramotorschool.com (please note that this link is provided as an example only and is NOT intended as an endorsement or inducement).
[edit] See also
Powered Hang glider Hangmotor
Free flight Paragliding - many of the flight principles outlined there also apply to paramotoring.
