Powered paragliding
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pilot Tim Kaiser, Photo by Jeff Goin
Photo Credit Andre Zeman
Photo Credit Andre Zeman
Powered Paragliding, also known as 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.1
The craft are 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).2
The paramototor, 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-held throttle.
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[edit] License & Training
A license is not required in the U.S. or most countries, nor is specific training. But getting thorough instruction is still very important. Those countries that do require formal certification frequently do so through non-government ultralight organizations.
For a pilot to get through most organization's full pilot syllabus requires between 5 and 8 days. A number of techniques are employed for teaching although most include getting the student familiar with handling the wing either on small hills or on tandem flights.
With special gear it is possible to take a second person but most countries, including the U.S., require some form of certification to do so.
[edit] Safety
The USPPA estimates that the activity is safer than riding motorcycles and more dangerous than riding in cars. The greatest cause of serious injury is body contact with a spinning prop while on the ground. The next most likely cause is flying perfectly good gear into something other than the landing zone such as wires, cars, trees, etc.
[edit] Other
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). Unpowered paragliders are represented in the U.S. by the U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) but USHPA in a recent member vote as decided to distance itself from any motorized aircraft. Only USUA and ASC are able to authorize and certify tandem power pilots.
A Powered Paraglider differs from a Powered parachute because the powered paraglider uses a highly efficient, but more difficult to manage, wing (paraglider). That allows for a light-enough motor to be carried on the pilot's back for footlaunching. Powered parachutes use less efficient wings that are easier to manage but require more power. Light-weight carts or "trikes" can be mounted on powered paragliders for those who prefer not to, or are unable to, foot launch.
[edit] World records
Determined by the FAI, RPF1 category.[1]
- Current powered paraglider world altitude record of 6,102m (20,019 ft) was set by Ramon Morillas Salmeron (Granada, Spain) on 06/10/2006 while flying an Advance Omega 7 paraglider and a PAP 1400 Ross power unit.
- Distance in a straight line without landing : 951 km (590 miles) 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.
[edit] Community
Many forums exist online that support the powered paragliding sport. A forum can be a good place to connect with other pilots and enthusiasts, ask questions, and find an instructor. A partial list follows:
[edit] References
1. Goin, Jeff (2006). in Dennis Pagen: The Powered Paragliding Bible. Airhead Creations. ISBN 0-9770966-0-2.
2. Paramotoring Questions Answered. U.S. Powered Paragliding Association (2006-07-27). Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
