Powered paragliding

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Launch of a Powered Paraglider.
Pilot Tim Kaiser, Photo by Jeff Goin

A Powered Paraglider in flight.
Photo Credit Andre Zeman

Launching A Powered Paraglider.
Photo Credit Andre Zeman

Powered Paragliding (aka paramotoring) is a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a small motor on his/her back (a paramotor) and runs into the air with lift from a paraglider wing. In many countries, including the United States, it is minimally regulated and requires no license. The low and slow flying capability, 'open' feel, portability, low equipment and maintenance costs, and safety aspects for this type of flying are considered its greatest merits.

The craft is capable of flying between 15 and 45 mph (25 and 70 km/h) at altitudes ranging up to 18,000 ft (5400 m), although most flying is done under 500 ft (150 m) AGL (above ground level). Cost for both a new motor and wing is around $8000US (including training), but can be less if purchasing used equipment.

The motor, weighing from 45 to 80 pounds (20 to 36 kg) is supported by the pilot during takeoff but, after a brief run, the wing lifts the motor then its harnessed pilot. After takeoff, the pilot kicks out a seat and sits back comfortably suspended beneath the inflated paraglider wing. Fine control is available using brake toggles in each hand and a hand throttle.

Paraglider and motor technology continue to evolve. Wing speed, motor reliability, and safety margins increase year after year.

Although training is not required in every country it is still very important. The United States Powered Paragliding Association estimates that safety-wise the activity is safer than riding motorcycles and more dangerous than riding in cars.

In the USA, the sport is represented by several organizations including the U.S. Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA), the U.S. Ultralight Association (USUA) and the Aero Sports Connection (ASC).

A Powered Paraglider is similar to a Powered parachute, in which the occupant rides in a wheeled cart suspended beneath the wing.

[edit] Electric Powered Paragliders

An impressive recent development in powered paragliding, is the first practical electric paramotor. Designed and constructed by Csaba Lemak and Patrick MacKenzie it flew for the first time on the 6 June, 2006 in Ontario, Canada. The first two flights from one single charge lasted for approximately 35 minutes. It was powered by 112 Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries and a custom wound three phase motor weighing 1.5kg. While currently not able to fly for as long as a petrol powered machine, it has many advantages, one of which is the ease of maintaining such a machine.