What type of gas is used in powered paragliding?
Typically pilots use Premium pump gas from your local gas station, or some pilots prefer to use Av gas because of it’s longer shelf life. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to mix 2 stroke oil per engine mfg. recommendations (usually 40:1 or 50:1)
How long can a flight last on one tank of gas?
This depends on a few variables, Elevation, engine size, pilot weight, gas tank size and type of flying. However to use round numbers, and rough estimations 2 to 3 hours.
How do you transport my paramotor?
Many people haul they machines in the back of their pick-ups. Some units can break down to a size that can fit in a car trunk. At Paramotor Central we offer, and can make receiver style hitches for many machines.
How can I get into powered paragliding?
It’s very important to get property training. We recommend finding an instructor who you are compatible with and take the course. We even recommend finding an instructor and take an introductory flight before investing a lot of money on equipment.
How long does it take to launch?
After arriving at your launch site, it takes 5 to 15 minutes to unpack, do a preflight check, and prepare for flight.
How maneuverable are they?
Powered Paragliders are very maneuverable. Some professional pilots are even able to do aerobatics. Many pilots are able to take off and land with-in a hula-hoop. I’d like to see any fixed wing aircraft accomplish that.
Are there times and conditions when I cannot fly?
Yes, this is a light-wind sport. Typically we avoid winds greater than 12 mph, I personally avoid winds greater than 8. PPG pilots generally fly in the mornings and evenings to avoid the bumpy mid-day air. A few pilots seek out those mid-day conditions at the expense of some added risk.
Where can I fly my Paramotor?
There are many groups of pilots who have established local flying sites where you can launch. Courtesy of neighbors is important to minimize complaints. Private open fields, some airports, and a few parks are great places to fly. Most state and national parks are off-limits to launch but do allow overflight.
Can you restart the Paramotor in flight?
Yes, engines come with very high energy ignitions, which make starting easy with a small tug on the starter rope. Many engines even come with electric start. You can stop the engine, soar and then restart anytime you like.
How long does it take to learn to fly a powered paraglider / Paramotor?
Industry experts recommend 5-8 full days of training from a certified trainer. However, bad weather, training on just weekends and other facts of life could mean about 2-3 months by calendar. Going to a full-time school where you can train intensely and continuously will let you solo in 3 days, depending on conditions and your skill. You will need to learn to ground handle the wing and some basics, then when the weather is good you will get your first flight. Paramotor Central offers training on many levels.
Is it possible to take a friend up with me?
Tandem powered paragliding is possible. Our instructor have their tandem ratings and are able to give tandem lessons. However we do not recommend new pilots to give tandem rides. The risk is too great for a pilots with less than 100 hours of experience.
How far can I fly?
The typical ground speed is 25-35 mph depending on wind conditions, and at 1.5 gallons of fuel an hour, you can travel around 50 miles. Of course the size of your gas tank is a variable in this equation.
How far do you have to run to get airborne?
Just a few steps will be necessary in a 5-10 breeze. However, in a calm wind condition, you may have to run further. If you motor unit has more power = less steps
How fast does the paraglider fly?
The speed varies with the type of wing used but will be between 17 and 30 miles per hour.
Do I need a license?
Paragliding is a self-regulated sport, so technically you are not required by law to have any certification to be a pilot. Getting good training is very important to your personal safety as well as avoiding blundering into restricted airspace. The USA regards Motorized Paragliders, powered paragliders, or Paramotor as Ultralight Aircraft, and are subject to the rules and regulations of ultralights in FAR Part 103.
How low can they fly?
Many pilots who are comfortable with your equipment, and know their own ability are able to fly low enough to drag their feet on the ground. With that said, the higher you are the safer you are.
How high can they fly?
The world record for the powered paraglider is just under 25,000 feet, however majority of flying is between 150 and 500 feet above the ground.
How do you steer the paraglider?
Control is very easy. Simply pull the right handle to turn right, the left handle to turn left, squeeze the throttle to climb and release it to glide back down.
How do you make the paraglider rise off the ground?
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. When the wing is over head, and stable the pilot turns 180^ and takes flight.
What does it weigh?
The Motor is 45-75 Lbs., and the wing is 7-15 Lbs. The weight is carried by the pilot only until the wing is inflated and then the weight is burdened by the paraglider.
What happens if the engine stops?
The engine is only used maintain flight or to go up. At any time you can shut off the motor and land safely. This is one of the reasons why if you’re higher in the air, you will be able to glide safely to a desired landing zone. In fact during your training you are taught to land with the motor turned off. This reduces the risk of getting your lines tangled in the propeller.
How long can a flight last on one tank of gas?
Typically a 1.5 gallons/hour with a 2.5 gallon gas tank.
How much does the equipment cost both new and used?
This is a hard question because there are so many variables. New Paramotors average $5-7,000.00, and new paragliders are around $2,000-4,000. We often get pilots who want to upgrade they’re motors or wings, so they trade them in. We recommend discussing your options with a instructor to insure you are purchasing equipment that is right for you.
Does Powered Paragliding have an alias?
Yes, it’s often called PPG, Paramotor or powergliding. The Paraglider is commonly called the wing, glider, chute or kite. People often mistake PPG for Powered Parachutes (PPC), Parasailing, and Windsurfing. There are similarity, but each one is different.
Is Powered Paragliding safe?
It is probably the safest form of private aviation. It is safer than flying in small planes or riding motorcycles but maybe not as safe as driving a car. Most problems happen on the ground before taking flight. It’s as safe or dangerous as you make it. Powered Paragliding has a very good safety record among pilots that have been properly trained by a professional. Paragliding is an outdoor sport and the weather is unpredictable. A thorough understanding of the air, and the dynamics of flight makes a trained pilot much safer than an untrained pilot. The primary safety factors are personal judgment and attitude.
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.
How safe are the wings (paragliders)?
The modern paraglider is built and tested with loads up to 15 times greater than can be exerted during flight. The type of wings commonly used with a paramotor are DHV1, and are rated to fly without pilot input.
What type of engine do they use?
The Motors on PPGs are usually a 12-25 hp single cylinder 2-stroke engine. Some of the wheel machine use 4 stroke engines. The weight of the 4 strokes are higher which is why you typically don’t see them on backpack units; however with changes in technology that maybe changing soon.
Ron mek
Do you trained pilots for powered parachutes or do you know someone who does?