| Paramotoring |
 |
 The latest development in ultra-light aviation,
paramotors (also termed Powered Paragliders) combine the easy flying
characteristics of the paraglider
with the autonomy and range of powered flight. Paramotors are
relatively easy to learn to fly, yet being foot launched they do not
need an airfield to operate from. They can be flown from an open, flat
field with no need to find a hill site facing into wind or even to wait
for the wind to blow. They are quickly and easily rigged and de-rigged,
and once dismantled can be put in the boot of a car or taken to exotic
locations as hand baggage. |
What exactly is a paramotor?
 This simplest of all powered aircraft consists of
small 2-stroke petrol engine driving a propeller, worn like a backpack
under a paraglider wing and providing thrust to take off, climb and
maintain level flight. Once airborne, the paramotor can be used to
motor along and watch the world go by beneath you or, if conditions
permit, soared in thermal lift to make long cross-country flights. The
motor can be stopped and restarted in the air - many types have
electric starters - enabling the pilot to adapt his or her flight to
the prevailing conditions. With the paramotor unit disconnected before
take-off, the wing becomes just another paraglider, offering the
freedom and excitement of engineless flight. Many paramotor pilots are
paraglider pilots looking for more flexibility in their flying, many
others are new to flying but become interested in paramotoring and pure
paragliding flight.
Is it expensive?
With a budget of £5,000 or so you'll
be able to buy new equipment and cover the cost of a training course.
Second-hand equipment will reduce that figure considerably. You'll also
need a flying suit, flying boots and a helmet and may consider other
equipment as you progress. Running costs are minimal, making
paramotoring perhaps the cheapest form of powered flying available. |
Learning to fly a paramotor
 Courses at BHPA
schools take around seven to ten days for would-be
paramotor pilots with no paragliding experience, as some time is needed
to train them in the safe control of a paraglider canopy. A full course
would cover launching the canopy, airspeed control, turning,
approaching and landing and controlling the canopy safely on the
ground. With these skills under your belt your instructor will then
turn to the power unit and train you in assembly and disassembly (for
easy transport this, not a major stripdown!), starting, throttle
control, fuel mixing, maintenance, torque and thrust effects and
certain essential cautions. The two elements will then be put together
to teach you powered flight. You will also be instructed in basic
principles of flight, meteorology, aviation law (quite severe airspace
restrictions apply to paramotor use) and navigation.
All photo's marked  courtesy of Airports
Photo Library. See their website for more free flying
related pictures. |
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