Description
A-Assist – Paramotor Trike & Quad Wing Inflation Assist
Inflating a paraglider from a trike or quad requires the pilot to manage several things at once: A lines, brakes, steering, throttle, and the direction of the wing. The A-Assist was developed to simplify that workload during the critical first moments of a launch.
The A-Assist is a simple mechanical paraglider inflation aid for wheeled paramotors. It connects between the trike or quad and the appropriate A-lines. As the paramotor begins its takeoff roll, forward movement creates tension in the A-Assist, applying the pull needed to begin inflating the wing.
Instead of the pilot having to physically hold and pull the A risers, the A-Assist allows the pilot to focus on brake positioning, wing control, steering, and throttle management.
Simple Physics, Simple Operation
The concept behind the A-Assist is remarkably simple:
A line can pull, but it cannot push.
During the initial roll, the A-Assist is under tension and pulls the A risers forward to initiate inflation. As the paraglider rises and moves overhead, the geometry changes and the system no longer applies the same pulling force, allowing the pilot to transition naturally to normal wing control.
Why Use an A-Assist?
For a foot-launch pilot, both hands can initially be used to manage the risers and brakes. A trike or quad pilot may also need to manage throttle and directional control during the takeoff roll.
The A-Assist helps reduce that workload.
It can allow the pilot to concentrate more attention on:
- Brake position and wing correction
- Throttle application
- Steering and maintaining a straight takeoff roll
- Monitoring the wing as it inflates and comes overhead
- Designed for paramotor trikes and quads
- Assists with initial paraglider inflation
- Temporarily applies pull to the A risers during the takeoff roll
- Helps free the pilot’s hands from manually pulling the A risers
- Simple mechanical design
- No electronics or powered components
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Useful for training as well as everyday wheeled PPG operations
Important
The A-Assist is an inflation aid, not an automatic launch system. The pilot remains responsible for inspecting the wing, confirming proper inflation, correcting the canopy, controlling the aircraft, and making the decision to continue or abort the launch.
Proper setup and adjustment are important. Pilots should become familiar with the system and practice its operation before relying on it during normal flight operations.
