Powered paragliding

Powered paragliding, also known as paramotoring or PPG, is a type of ultralight aviation. In this activity, the pilot wears a special motor on their back, called a paramotor, which gives enough power to take off using a paraglider. One great thing about powered paragliding is that the pilot can start flying alone, without needing any help, even when the air is still and the ground is flat. This makes it an exciting and accessible way to enjoy the skies!

Description

Powered paragliding, also called paramotoring, is a fun way to fly that needs very little rules. In many places, like the United States, you don’t need a special license to try it. People like this kind of flying because it feels very open, the equipment is easy to carry, and it doesn’t cost much to keep it working.

When flying, powered paragliders move between 15 and 50 mph, which is about 24 to 80 km/h. They can fly very low, almost touching the ground, or up high to about 18,000 ft, which is more than 5,500 [m], if they have permission. It’s important to be careful because flying in strong winds or bumpy air can be risky, especially for new pilots.

The motor part, called a paramotor, weighs between 45 to 90 lb, which is about 20 to 41 kg. The pilot holds it when they start flying. After a short run of about 10 ft, the wing lifts the motor and the pilot off the ground. Once in the air, the pilot sits under the big wing, like hanging in a swing. They control the flight using toggles for the brakes and a throttle to change the motor’s speed. Some equipment also has special tools to help change the angle of the wing for faster or slower flying. Pilots mainly use the brake toggles and moving their weight to turn and change direction.

Uses

Paragliders are mostly used for fun, but they can also have other important jobs. In the military, special soldiers sometimes use them to move quietly and secretly. Some countries have used them for watching their borders.

In everyday life, people use paragliders for helping in emergencies, guiding animals, taking pictures from above, and checking on places. However, because they need good weather, they can't replace regular airplanes for most jobs. Many rules in countries stop them from being used for money in most ways.

During some wars, groups have sadly used these to hurt people, but we will not talk about those parts here.

Safety and regulations

Powered paragliding is a bit safer than riding motorcycles but more dangerous than being a passenger in a car. Most injuries happen when a pilot hits a spinning propeller or flies into something unexpected. Some countries keep records of accidents. For example, in Germany in 2018, there were 232 accidents among about 36,000 pilots, with 109 serious injuries and 9 fatalities.

Pilots often carry a special backup parachute that can open very quickly to help in dangerous situations. Learning to fly safely takes time and practice. Training usually takes between five and 15 days, and can include lessons on the ground, being pulled along, flying on small hills, or flying with an experienced pilot.

Rules for flying powered paragliders vary by country. In the United States, pilots follow simple rules set by the FAA. They don’t need a special license, but they must fly in safe areas away from crowds and cannot carry passengers without extra permission. In the United Kingdom, pilots must follow rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority. These aircraft must meet certain weight and speed limits to be flown without registration or a license.

Associations

In the U.S., the sport is supported by the US Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA), which also allows two-person training with certified instructors. The US Ultralight Association (USUA) and Aero Sports Connections (ASC) also provide some help.

Instructors in the U.S. are mainly certified by the United States Powered Paragliding Association (USPPA).

In the United Kingdom, the sport is supported by the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association.

Globally, there is "APPI Power", started in 2011, which helps with training and setting standards for pilots and instructors worldwide.

Confusion with powered parachutes

Main article: Powered parachute

People sometimes mix up powered paragliders and powered parachutes because they can look similar when flying. But there are important differences.

Powered parachutes always have wheels and are steered using the feet. Powered paragliders, however, don’t usually have wheels and are steered using the hands. If something goes wrong with a powered paraglider’s airframe, the wing can still hold up the pilot and motor because it’s attached to the harness. Powered paragliders use smaller engines to follow special rules and often have a thinner, more shaped wing to help them fly well.

World records

Determined by the FAI, RPF1 category.

• The current world altitude record for powered paragliders (RPF1TM) is 7,589m (24,898 ft). It was set by Ramon Morillas Salmeron (Granada, Spain) on 19 September 2009 while flying an Advance Sigma paraglider and a PAP frame powered by a HE R220Duo engine.
• A highly publicized altitude record attempt was made by Bear Grylls on 14 May 2007 at 0933 local time over the Himalayas using a Parajet engine invented by Gilo Cardozo and a specially designed reflex paraglider wing invented by Mike Campbell-Jones of Paramania. Cardozo, who also flew in the attempt, had engine problems that ended his climb 300m short of the record.
• Distance in a straight line without landing: 1,105 km (687 mi) set on 23 April 2007 by Ramon Morillas Salmeron flying from Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz (Spain) to Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Spain) with an Advance Omega 7 paraglider.
• Fastest Crossing of the United States of America Direct Path 2104 Miles in December 2020. Harley Milne (50xChallenge) crossed the southern route from San Diego to Jacksonville Florida in 8 days 2 hours. Flying 48 hours 19 minutes, over 22 flights with a maximum 12,444 AGL and Max Speed of 89.9 MPH ground speed.

Determined by Guinness World Records

• The longest journey by powered paraglider is 9,132 km (5,674.35 mi) and was achieved by Miroslav Oros (Czech Republic), flying throughout the Czech Republic, starting in Sazená and ending in Lipovå-lázn, between 1 April 2011 and 30 June 2011.
• 2nd Longest Journey by Powered Paraglider: 8,008 km (4,976 mi) set on 24 August 2009 by Canadian photographer and documentary filmmaker Benjamin Jordan during his Above + Beyond Canada campaign. In an unprecedented flight between Tofino, BC and Bay Saint Lawrence, NS, the cross-Canada campaign involved 108 flights with landings at schools and youth summer camps along the way. Jordan provided youth with motivational speeches and arranged them in shapes on the ground before launching and continuing on the next leg of his journey. Funds raised over the course of the trip were donated to various charities across Canada to help children from low-income homes attend summer camp.
• First Paramotor Pilot to Fly in all 50 US States. The fastest time to fly a paramotor/ powered paraglider in all 50 US states is 215 days and was achieved by Harley Milne (USA), across USA from 8 November 2019 to 10 June 2020. While achieving this record Harley is also the first to complete this undertaking.

Images

Launch of a powered paraglider

A powered paraglider in flight

A tandem powered paraglider

Powered paraglider landing

Power paraglider trike launch